Capitalism and Socialism
Airing on
Probe Radio
Jan.
11-15 |
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Kerby Anderson — Americans traditionally have supported capitalism over
socialism, but there is growing evidence that might be changing. The latest
Rasmussen poll showed that a mere majority of Americans (fifty-three percent)
say capitalism is better than socialism. And one in five (twenty percent)
say that socialism is better than capitalism. America may not be ready to
reject capitalism for socialism, but this poll does show less enthusiasm than
in the past.
Age is a significant component. If you look at adults under
the age of thirty in the poll, you find they are essentially evenly divided.
More than a third of young people (thirty-seven percent) prefer capitalism,
another third (thirty-three percent) embrace socialism, and the rest (thirty
percent) are undecided.
What are we to make of this? First, the terms capitalism and
socialism weren’t defined in the poll. I suspect that if the pollsters
explained the various tenets of socialism that the percentages would change.
Defining capitalism would also be important since many would not necessary
associate it with a free market but instead might have visions of an evil,
greedy capitalist. After all, that is how many businessmen are portrayed in the
media.
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| MEET THE AUTHOR |
 KERBY ANDERSON
"I have always assumed that most Americans believe that a free market is better than one controlled by government. But a recent poll showed that a mere majority of American believe capitalism is better than socialism. The percentages dropped even more for a younger Americans. That's why I thought it would be good to revisit the question of capitalism versus socialism."
Kerby is National Director of Probe Ministries. He holds masters degrees from Yale and Georgetown Universities. He is the author of several books and the host of "Point of View" (USA Radio Network) in addition to being the most frequest contributor to the Probe radio program. Kerby also produces a daily syndicated radio and web commentary.
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Related Articles:
A Biblical View of Economics
Kerby provides a biblical framework for economics by showing how a biblical view of human nature is key in developing an economic system. He also discusses the free enterprise system and addresses the economic and moral critiques of capitalism.
 Can the Just Succeed?
Can the just succeed? Can people living by Biblical principles successfully compete in a capitalist economy without compromising? Should we even try? Steve Cable draws on his successful career in the business world to provide solid answers.
 Poverty and Wealth
Don Closson examines the arguments in Ronald Nash's book Poverty and Wealth: Why Socialism Doesn't Work and concludes that capitalism is compatible with biblical ethics.
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