Socialism's Positive Rating Tops 40% for First Time
Rising U.S. approval of “socialism” past 40% prompts scrutiny of what the term actually means, with participants contrasting textbook notions of worker ownership with looser ideas of social democracy or simply “government doing stuff.” Commenters highlight how Cold War baggage, partisan propaganda, and shifting party ideologies have blurred distinctions between socialism, communism, and regulated capitalism, especially compared with European usage. Many argue that Americans often benefit from and support specific social programs while rejecting the “socialist” label, underscoring how framing and definitions shape public opinion more than concrete policies.
Definition and Meaning of “Socialism”
- Strong disagreement over definitions:
- One camp: core/socialist “textbook” meaning is worker or social ownership of the means of production (e.g., co‑ops, worker control).
- Another: socialism is a broad family of ideas about wealth redistribution and narrowing inequality; compatible with capitalism via taxation and regulation (e.g., inheritance tax).
- Others equate socialism with government ownership/control of production, often via a state (Soviet-style).
- Several note that in US discourse “socialism” often means “any government program” or “government does stuff,” which blurs distinctions with social democracy.
- Multiple comments stress that the socialism/communism boundary is historically fuzzy and that terms are heavily propagandized and overloaded.
US Politics and Public Perception
- US “left” (Democrats) is widely characterized as center-right or neoliberal by international standards; there is no strong electoral left.
- “Socialism” remains a political slur in the US, especially after Cold War anti-communist campaigns, even as many beneficiaries of social programs reject the label.
- Poll support for Social Security, public healthcare responsibility, and other programs is high, despite many respondents claiming to oppose “socialism.”
- Some argue Americans often vote against their material interests due to ideology and propaganda; others counter that people simply define their interests differently.
International Comparisons and Models
- European and Scandinavian systems are cited as mixed economies with extensive welfare states, often seen as “socialist” in US rhetoric but described as capitalist with redistribution.
- Disagreement over whether “democratic socialist” countries exist today and whether Scandinavian prosperity came from redistribution or later liberalization.
Alternative Frameworks: Georgism and MMT
- Georgism (land value taxation) is praised as efficient and just redistribution; seen as orthogonal to socialism/capitalism by some and incompatible with entrenched capitalism by others.
- Modern Monetary Theory is introduced as a lens where fiscal policy, not arbitrary budget limits, is the main constraint; advocates emphasize context-dependent use and note political resistance when it implies higher taxes or tighter fiscal policy during inflation.
Practical Examples and Outcomes
- Democratic socialist policy efforts in a major US city (rent freezes, wage theft recovery, childcare, enforcement against abusive practices) are cited as proof of concept; skeptics question attribution vs PR.
- Overall, commenters see rising openness to alternatives but diverge sharply on definitions, feasibility, and historical lessons.