German historian and sociologist Rainer Zitelmann conducted a survey which reveals an interesting approach of Poles, especially Polish men, to the capitalist system. Zitelmann, in his paper entitled Attitudes towards capitalism in 34 countries on 5 continents, he showed that Poland is simply a country where the residents are most affirmative about capitalism, taking the first place in the ranking among the 30 countries analysed.
Poland headed by pro-capitalist nations
According to Zitelmann, Poland is ahead of countries specified as the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, Spain and Sweden in terms of the affirmative attitude of citizens towards capitalism. These results show that Poles express greater support for the free marketplace economy than residents of countries considered to be conventional bastions of capitalism, specified as the US and the United Kingdom.
Just behind Poland, the ranking included countries specified as the United States, South Korea, Japan, Nigeria and the Czech Republic, which besides have a affirmative approach to capitalism. In most countries surveyed, anti-capitalist attitudes prevailed, especially in countries specified as Montenegro, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.
Surprising Results in any Countries
The results of the Zitelmann survey may be surprising, peculiarly in the context of Switzerland, which, despite its strong capitalist economy, has become among countries with a more critical approach to this system. Switzerland is frequently regarded as an example of well-functioning capitalism, but the results propose that citizens of this country are not as enthusiastic about capitalism as it might seem.
In turn, countries specified as Argentina, Sweden, Mongolia, Romania, Brazil, Nepal, Uganda and Vietnam have shown a neutral approach to capitalism, meaning that their citizens' opinions on this strategy are balanced.
Poles and Left: Untypical Results
One of the most interesting results of the survey is that Poland is the only country where people identified with the left have a comparatively affirmative approach to capitalism. As it turns out, it is the left-wing people who frequently express their support for the free economical strategy in Poland. This phenomenon can be interpreted as a unique feature of Polish society, which despite ideological differences can see the advantages of capitalism.
Gender Differences in Approach to Capitalism
Zitelmann's survey besides showed interesting sex differences in the approach to capitalism. In Poland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Portugal and Spain men have far more affirmative opinions on capitalism than women. The exception is the citizens of Vietnam who prove to be more pro-capitalistic than their male countrymen.
Summary
Rainer Zitelmann's investigation emphasizes that Poland is 1 of the most pro-capitalist countries in the world. Poles, and especially Polish men, show clear support for the free marketplace system. Moreover, these results are unique from another countries, where anti-capitalist attitudes are much more common. It is peculiarly interesting that even people who identify with the left are more affirmative about capitalism, which distinguishes our country from another surveyed societies.
Thanks to this survey we gain a deeper knowing of attitudes towards capitalism in the world, and Poland stands out as a leader in terms of support for this system.
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Polish leaders in the approach to capitalism
