Support for capitalism declines in Europe (Pew Research)

Europe is in the midst of an economic meltdown and it might be affecting Europeans’ opinion of capitalism. Down from 70% in 2007, 58% say people are better off in a free market, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. The negative sentiment is particularly high in Italy and Spain (Spain recently received $121 billion in bailouts and is now asking for more).  Those hurting most financially are less likely to think people are better off in a capitalist system than those who are well off. In the U.S., men are more than women to say people are better off in a free market. In 12 of the 18 countries surveyed, those with college education are more likely to back a free market systems than those without a college degree.