Key Facts
• In 2025, 54% of Americans viewed capitalism positively, down from 60% in 2021.
• Gallup surveyed 1,094 adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• 39% of Americans viewed socialism positively, with 62% of 18–29-year-olds favoring it.
• Among Democrats, only 42% supported capitalism, while 66% favored socialism.
• Independents’ support for capitalism dropped to 51%, while Republicans remained steady at 74%.
• Prominent Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez advocate for socialism.
• Younger generations, including Gen Z, show increasing skepticism toward capitalism.
• Gallup noted this is the lowest recorded support for capitalism in its surveys.
• Americans favor specific capitalist elements like small businesses over the system as a whole.
• The divide in economic ideology could deepen political polarization in the U.S.
Summary
Support for capitalism in the U.S. is declining, with only 54% of Americans viewing it positively in 2025, a significant drop from 2021. This trend is most pronounced among Democrats, where only 42% support capitalism, while 66% favor socialism. Younger generations, particularly those aged 18–29, are increasingly drawn to socialism, with 62% expressing positive views. Prominent Democratic figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have contributed to this shift by promoting socialist ideals. Meanwhile, Republicans remain staunch supporters of capitalism, with 74% expressing positive views. The growing ideological divide between parties and generations could exacerbate political polarization. Despite the decline, Americans still value specific aspects of capitalism, such as small businesses, more than the system as a whole.
