Support of State Ownership of Industry in the Americas

The study, conducted by Elizabeth Naylor of Vanderbilt University, analyzed data from the 2016/17 round of AmericasBarometer survey by LAPOP. The survey asked 29,065 citizens whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement that the government should own the most important enterprises and industries of the country. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of education are 9 percentage points less likely to support state ownership of important industries than those with no formal education. Wealthier individuals are 3 percentage points less likely to support state ownership, and urban residents are 2 percentage points less likely to support state ownership of important industries than their rural counterparts. The study also found that individuals who believe the government is already managing the economy well are the strongest predictors of support for state ownership of industry. Those who identify with the ideological left and have high levels of trust in the current political system are more supportive of state ownership. The study suggests that individuals are more willing to give greater power over their economic future to individuals and institutions they trust to act in their best interest. The study analyzed data from 18 Latin American countries and found significant variation in support for state ownership of industry. While no country has a majority of the population supporting state ownership, support is highest in Argentina, at 47.3%. The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex relationships between economic perceptions, political ideology, and trust in the executive on support for state ownership of important industries.