What's happened
Recent Gallup polls show a decline in positive views of capitalism among US adults, especially Democrats and younger voters, with support for socialism slightly increasing. The shift reflects growing economic dissatisfaction and political polarization, influenced by education and political figures promoting socialist ideas.
What's behind the headline?
The decline in support for capitalism and rise in favorability for socialism among Americans, particularly Democrats and youth, signals a significant ideological shift. This trend is fueled by political figures like Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani, who promote socialist policies and critique economic inequality. The education system's portrayal of socialism, often omitting its historical failures, contributes to this shift, making young voters more receptive to socialist promises. The partisan divide is stark: 74% of Republicans view capitalism positively, while only 42% of Democrats do, with 66% of Democrats favoring socialism. This polarization risks transforming economic debates into partisan battlegrounds, potentially impacting policy and electoral outcomes. The erosion of trust in big business and support for free enterprise further complicates the landscape, suggesting that economic dissatisfaction and ideological shifts will continue to influence American politics and policy debates. The trend indicates that support for capitalism may further decline unless economic conditions improve or the narrative around capitalism is reframed to address concerns about inequality and fairness.
What the papers say
The New York Post highlights how educational curricula may be fostering a skewed perception of socialism, emphasizing its promises while ignoring its brutal history and failures, which could explain the rising support among young voters. Gallup's polling data, cited across multiple articles, shows a decline in positive views of capitalism from 60% in 2010 to 54% in 2025, with Democrats' support dropping below 50% for the first time. The support for socialism remains relatively stable at around 39%, but the partisan gap widens, with Democrats increasingly favoring socialist policies. Bloomberg emphasizes the decline in positive perceptions of big business, which has fallen from 52% in 2019 to 37% in 2025, especially among younger adults. The Independent and AP News underscore the ideological shift within the Democratic Party, where socialism is gaining ground, and the support for capitalism is waning, driven by figures like Bernie Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. These contrasting perspectives reveal a complex landscape where economic dissatisfaction, education, and political messaging are reshaping public opinion on economic systems.
How we got here
Over the past decade, American attitudes toward capitalism and socialism have shifted, driven by political campaigns, prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and economic dissatisfaction. Polls indicate a decline in positive perceptions of big business and capitalism, especially among younger and Democratic voters, amid rising support for socialist ideas.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Do Fewer Americans Trust Big Business Now?
Recent polls reveal a significant decline in Americans' trust in big business and capitalism. As perceptions shift, many wonder what’s driving this change and what it means for the economy and politics. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the declining trust, how views on capitalism differ from attitudes toward big business, and what factors are influencing these evolving opinions. Keep reading to understand the broader implications of these shifts in public sentiment.
More on these topics
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Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-American politician. He is the assembly member for the 36th district of the New York State Assembly. Mamdani was elected after defeating incumbent Democrat Aravella Simotas in the 2020 primary.
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Bernard Sanders is an American politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007. The longest-serving Independent in congressional history, he was elected to the U.S.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known by her initials, AOC, is an American politician and activist. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since January 3, 2019.
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Gallup may refer to:
Gallup, Inc., a firm founded by George Gallup, well known for its opinion poll
Gallup (surname), a surname
Gallup, New Mexico, a city in New Mexico, United States
Gallup station, an Amtrak train in downtown Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup.