Support for capitalism is at an all time low in the US

Americans continue to view capitalism more positively than socialism, though the 54% with a favorable opinion of capitalism marks a decline from 60% in 2021 and is roughly in line with most previous readings. Views of socialism remain more negative than positive, with 57% unfavorable and 39% favorable, showing little overall change over time.

Gallup first measured public opinion of economic systems in 2010 and has repeated the question six times since, most recently in an August 1–20 survey.

This year, Democrats’ and independents’ ratings of capitalism are less positive, each down eight points since 2021. For the first time, fewer than half of Democrats (42%) view capitalism positively, while a slim majority of independents (51%) continue to do so. Republicans’ views remain largely unchanged, with about three-quarters expressing positive opinions.

Overall stability in U.S. adults’ attitudes toward socialism masks notable partisan differences. Democrats have become more favorable over time, with support rising from 50% in 2010 to roughly two-thirds in three surveys since 2019. That shift has been largely countered by decreasing positive views among Republicans, while independents’ opinions of socialism have remained relatively steady.