(AURN News) — Is capitalism losing its edge and popularity in the United States? A new poll from The Wall Street Journal and NORC at the University of Chicago finds that support for capitalism has fallen, along with belief in the so-called American dream.
In June 2026, only 35% of respondents said the idea that working harder means you will get ahead still remains true. Meanwhile, 68% said the country is in a state of decline.
When asked whether the country is a place “where people are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” 58% of those polled said they somewhat or strongly disagreed.
When asked whether capitalism is working well, 42% said it is working very or somewhat well. That share was higher among older Americans, including 46% of people ages 35 to 49, 49% of those ages 50 to 64 and 56% of those ages 65 and older.
The numbers point to growing frustration with the American economy and a belief among many respondents that hard work alone is no longer enough to get ahead.
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