Only 53 Percent of Americans Prefer Capitalism

We seem to be lurching backward at an ever faster rate. Despite the downfall of Communism, despite the horrors of statism in the twentieth century (most caused by self-described socialists), just over half of the population prefer capitalism over socialism. The level of support among young people is even lower.

Only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 20% disagree and say socialism is better. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure which is better.

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. Thirty-somethings are a bit more supportive of the free-enterprise approach with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.

Investors by a 5-to-1 margin choose capitalism. As for those who do not invest, 40% say capitalism is better while 25% prefer socialism.