Americans’ views on capitalism are split but lean negative, according to a new survey.
Just over half of Americans, 51%, believe capitalism is functioning “not too well” or “not at all well,” while 48% say it is functioning “very well” or “somewhat well,” according to a poll released Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal and NORC Research Center.
On the role of business versus government, respondents are divided but tilt toward wanting more regulation. Forty-five percent agree that America is successful due to respect for free markets and that government interference makes it weaker, while 52% agree that corporations have too much power and government should do more to limit corporate influence through laws, regulation and taxes.
A large majority believes power has shifted toward the wealthy: 64% say wealthy people have more power in society today than 50 years ago, compared to just 8% who say less.
