Latov Yu.V. The Value of Socialism in the XXI Century: Dynamics of Ideological Preferences in Russian and American Societies. Antinomies. 2026. Vol. 26. No. 2. P. 26-54.

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://yearbook.uran.ru/images/files/Antinomies_2_2026_p26_54.pdf (дата обращения 16.10.2026)

Abstract

Employing sociological methodologies, this paper investigates the contemporary preconditions for a post-capitalist transition as reflected in mass consciousness. While the socio-philosophical dichotomy of “capitalism vs socialism” proves increasingly inadequate for characterizing modern societal trends, it serves as a heuristic framework to assess the extent to which a critical stance toward the prevailing capitalist system has permeated public discourse, alongside the perceived (un)attractiveness of its socialist alternative. Through a systematic analysis of longitudinal sociological data (2000s–2020s), this study compares attitudes toward socialism in Russia (drawing primarily on surveys by the Institute of Sociology, FRC RAS) and the United States (utilizing Pew Research Center data). The findings reveal a pronounced Russian preference for socialist ideals over capitalist ones: as of 2024, 41 % of respondents viewed socialism positively, compared to merely 12 % for capitalism. This inclination manifests more strongly in affective dispositions than in ideological self-identification, with only ~20% explicitly endorsing communist or social democratic principles, while a substantial proportion remains indifferent to both systems. In the U.S. – long considered capitalism’s paradigmatic case – sympathy for socialism remains comparatively muted yet non-negligible: during the 2010s, approximately one-third of citizens expressed favorable views toward socialism, while a quarter held negative perceptions of free-market economics. These results suggest that, although not hegemonic, socialist sympathizers constitute a significant minority (25–33 %) in both nations – a pattern characteristic of transitional historical epochs. The study concludes by critically engaging with arguments dismissing socialism’s contemporary viability, while advancing a theoretically grounded case for its 21st-century developmental potential. The persistence of competing socialist visions, alongside this measurable baseline of public support, underscores the ongoing ideological contestation shaping post-capitalist possibilities.