Is support for socialism on the rise in America? Looking at the outcome of the election, some conservatives say yes (and aren't happy about it). I remember some similar talk after 2008, but then it was forgotten in the wake of the 2010 election. What's actually happening? There haven't been many questions, but here's what I could find:
"The United States would be better off if it moved toward socialism" (Research & Forecasts)
1982 20% agree, 72% disagree
"Would you say you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion towards each of the following ideas... socialism?" (Comparative Study of National Character)
c. 1990 11% favorable, 32% depends, 50% unfavorable
"Just off the top of your head, would you say you have a positive or negative image of ... socialism?" (Gallup)
2010 36% positive, 58% negative
"As I read a list of words and phrases, please tell me what your reaction is to each. Do you have a positive or negative reaction to .... socialism" (Pew)
2010 29% positive, 59% negative
2011 31% positive, 60% negative
It's hard to be sure because of the changes in question wording, but it looks like Americans may have a more favorable view of socialism now than they did 20-30 years ago.
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