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The majority of Hispanics in the United States have a negative view of socialism, including half of those who define themselves as Democrat voters, while most are sympathetic to capitalism, according to a recent study.
Data from the Pew Research Center indicates 53% of Hispanics reject socialism, compared to 41% who say they have a positive impression. However, the report clarifies that those who approve tend to associate socialist policies with democratic governments with extensive state programs and use Denmark or Finland as examples.
Ideological differences among Hispanics according to age
Latinos who identify with the Republican Party and reject socialism are a large majority (72%). While 48% of those who identify as Democrats reject socialist ideology, 50% view it favorably.
Among young people, the trend is similar to that of most voters. Forty-six percent of Latinos between 18 and 29 have a positive impression of socialism, while 50% reject it.
While Latinos between the ages of 30 and 49 are similarly divided (50 percent against, 45 percent in favor), majorities of those aged 50 to 64 (60 percent) and those 65 and older (61 percent) say they view socialism negatively.
This could be because first-generation Hispanic Americans usually immigrated to the United States, fleeing socialist or communist policies in countries such as Cuba or Chile, while their children were born in the United States.
More recently, Latino migration has come from communist countries such as Nicaragua and Venezuela.
In contrast, 54% of U.S. Hispanics have a positive view of capitalism, compared to 41% whose impression is negative.
However, the impression of capitalism is overwhelmingly positive among Hispanics in both parties. Fifty percent of those who consider themselves Democrats view capitalism favorably, compared to 47% who reject it.
Those who consider themselves Republicans, however, are much more appreciative of the capitalist system. Sixty-eight percent have a positive impression, compared to 29% who believe the opposite.
Tomás Lugo, journalist and writer. Born in Venezuela and graduated in Social Communication. Has written for international media outlets. Currently living in Colombia // Tomás Lugo, periodista y articulista. Nacido en Venezuela y graduado en Comunicación Social. Ha escrito para medios internacionales. Actualmente reside en Colombia.