2018 Poll

Third Annual Report On US Attitudes Toward Socialism

On October 30th, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation released our Third Annual Report on US Attitudes Toward Socialism has confirmed a trend evident in the previous two reports: the American public lacks a serious understanding and education regarding socialism and communism.

When Americans—especially Millennials—think of “socialism,” they primarily think about Bernie Sanders, Western European democracies, income equality, and access to healthcare. They also do not associate socialism with communism and authoritarianism.

Key Takeaways

• 52% of millennials would prefer to live in a socialist (46%) or communist (6%) country than a capitalist (40%) one.
• 26% of Americans have never been taught about communism in any education or professional setting.
• Half of Americans associate socialism with welfare states in Western Europe and Scandinavia—not Marxist dictatorships.

Download Poll

SURVEY CONDUCTED BY YOUGOV

For further information or to set up an interview with Marion Smith, please contact Elizabeth Aucamp (elizabeth@javelindc.com) or (703) 490-8845.