By AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX
Updated 11:08 AM EDT, September 8, 2025
Capitalism’s image has slipped with U.S. adults overall since 2021, the survey finds, and the results show a gradual but persistent shift in Democrats’ support for the two ideologies over the past 15 years, with socialism rising as capitalism falls. The shifts underscore deep divisions within the party about whether open support for socialism will hurt Democrats’ ability to reach moderates or galvanize greater support from people who are concerned about issues like the cost of living.
…But Democrats under 50 are much less likely to view capitalism favorably, while the opinions of Democrats ages 50 and older haven’t shifted meaningfully, according to Gallup.
This type of opinion thing just annoys me. When it comes to private vs government control I want a mix. One is just the reality of it. Given property tax land is essentially rented out anyway and given regulations I can totally see it just being recognized as government leases. This would actually be nicer if the terms are fixed so that people don’t have to worry about “owning” a home they will then get taxed out of. Then there is that if there is no real competition then we should not pretend private enterprise is the best solution. Without multiple electric and gas infrastructure there is realistically only one option for my utilities. Having several suppliers is just capitalist theater as far as im concerned. Further anything necessary should have a government option be it healthcare or education. Now when it comes to tv’s or toys or other stupid crap that is totally fine to be full on capitalist.
Markets can have a place in early socialist development, especially for luxuries like you said, but there’s no reason to really keep it when the profit motive overstays its usefulness. It sounds like you’d be a big fan of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, which is similar to what you describe, only with the caveat that the goal is to fully collectivize production in the long run as this becomes more feasible.
well democracy and civil rights are more important than either socialism or capitalism in a country/government/society. Thats the start to then determine what people want.
Democracy and civil rights are only really achievable when the working class is in charge, ergo socialism is a prerequisite.
the working class being in charge is no guarantee of democracy and civil rights.
It’s a prerequisite for it.
I completely disagree.
How much democracy does your workplace have?
The state is an extension of the ruling class of society, and will use its authority to oppress the other classes and prevent real change. Under capitalism, this class is the bourgeoisie, ergo the working class is crushed.
great pontification.
Do you actually disagree with the point, or just the way I said it? If you want me to elaborate, the wealthy, those in charge of the large firms and key industries and thus the real power in society, are the ones that manipulate the state through lobbying, control of the media, etc. Socialism becomes a prerequisite for working class control because the state will never be their true ally when already under control of the wealthiest.
I disagree with the point. Democracy comes first. Socialism/capitalism is not a governing principle it is a resource distribution principle. Rights are a recognition of principles so important that they cannot be ignored simply by having a majority. Separation of powers and checks and balances are also important. I would take a democracy/capitalist society over a facist/socialist but would far prefer a social democracy.
You disagree because you’re utterly ignorant on the subject you’re attempting to debate, and you evidently haven’t even spent any time thinking about it.
— I. V. Dzhugashvili
In a democracy with human rights that liberty that is enjoyed is the states measures to mitiagate the circumstances and if it is not the ability as a member of a democracy to change it by voting, speaking out, protesting, etc.
So socialism.
I mean sure if its defined by my comment above but I find people define it in a very different manner. Going way back to my initial comment these things annoy me as I feel most folks do not want 100% socialism (state control of stuff) vs capitalism (private control of stuff) but want something in between. Its the democratic foundations of a country and how well it implements it that will then determine where it goes.