WASHINGTON — More Americans view socialism positively than at any point since Gallup began asking in 2010, though capitalism and free enterprise still rate higher, according to a new national poll.
Gallup found 43% of U.S. adults have a positive view of socialism, up from 39% last year and 36% in 2010, the first time the figure has topped 40%. Capitalism stood at 55%, and free enterprise at 77%, according to the Gallup report.
Views of big business fell to 35% positive, down 14 points since 2010. Small businesses were the most popular, at 95%, unchanged over 16 years.
Who changed their minds
The increase came almost entirely from independents. Their positive view of socialism rose to 45%, from 37% last year. Democrats held steady at 65%, and Republicans at 14%.
The poll also found wide gaps by age, gender and race:
Group Socialism Capitalism Ages 18-34 57% 43% Ages 55+ 34% 65% Men 35% 66% Women 49% 45% White adults 39% 59% People of color 50% 48%
Gallup surveyed 1,200 adults by phone Aug. 3-24. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.
A Maryland view
Christianne Marguerite, communications director for the advocacy group Progressive Maryland, told Public News Service that rising costs for child care, housing and groceries are pushing people to rethink their politics.
“People are taking a look at all of those critical aspects of life and wondering why is there such a great divide between the wealthy and the working class?” Marguerite said. She said the results suggest Democratic politicians should lean further into economic populism.
Candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America have won a number of Maryland state legislative races, Public News Service reported, but have had less success in federal races than in states like New York, Michigan and Colorado.
The poll’s findings cut both ways. A majority of Americans still view capitalism favorably, and more than three in four view free enterprise positively. Among Republicans, 75% rate capitalism positively, and 86% free enterprise. Gallup noted that question wording and practical survey difficulties can introduce error.
