In this edition of Progress Pulse, we ask whether Americans believe free markets or coordinated government action will best advance human progress and flourishing.
To find out, we commissioned a survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults.
We described human progress and flourishing as improving living standards and creating innovations that solve big problems. We then presented two opposing visions of how to advance progress and asked Americans which approach they agree with most. The first vision says that businesses competing freely in the marketplace will lead to the most progress. According to this view, private companies and entrepreneurs working independently are the primary drivers of breakthroughs and solutions.
The second vision says that coordinated government action will lead to the most progress. According to this view, government agencies coordinating resources and setting priorities are the primary drivers of breakthroughs and solutions.
Overall Findings
Americans are much more likely to believe that a free market approach (68%) will best advance human progress and flourishing than government coordination (32%).
Demographics and Views on the Best Path to Progress
Gender
Two-thirds or more of both men and women believe a free market approach will best advance human progress and flourishing.
- Men: 71% free market; 29% government coordination
- Women: 66% free market; 34% government coordination
Age
The majority of Americans across all age groups believe a free market approach will best advance human progress and flourishing, with support strongest among Americans 65 and older and lowest among those 18-24.
- 18-24: 58% free market; 42% government coordination
- 25-34: 68% free market; 32% government coordination
- 35-44: 66% free market; 34% government coordination
- 45-54: 64% free market; 36% government coordination
- 55-64: 73% free market; 27% government coordination
- 65+: 76% free market; 24% government coordination
Education
Across levels of formal education, two-thirds or more of Americans believe a free market approach will best advance human progress and flourishing.
- High school or less: 67% free market; 33% government coordination
- Some college: 70% free market; 30% government coordination
- College graduates: 68% free market; 32% government coordination
Household Income
The majority of Americans across household income categories believe a free market approach will best advance human progress and flourishing. However, individuals with household incomes under $50,000 are less inclined to hold this view than individuals in higher household income categories.
- Income less than $50k: 59% free market; 41% government coordination
- Income $50k to $74,9k: 72% free market; 28% government coordination
- Income $75k to $99,9k: 76% free market; 24% government coordination
- Income $100k or more: 70% free market; 30% government coordination
Political Party
The majority of Americans across all political affiliations believe a free market approach will best advance human progress and flourishing, with support strongest among Republicans and lowest among Democrats.
- Democrats: 60% free market; 40% government coordination
- Republicans: 76% free market; 24% government coordination
- Independents: 68% free market; 32% government coordination
Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Human Flourishing Lab from January 8-12, 2026, among 2,097 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact croutledge@archbridgeinstitute.org
Respondents were presented with the following prompt:
We want to understand your view on the best way to advance human progress and flourishing in the coming decades—things like improving living standards and creating innovations that solve big problems. Consider the opinions of two individuals, Alex and Taylor.
- Alex thinks businesses competing freely in the marketplace will lead to the most progress. While the government has a role to play, Alex believes private companies and entrepreneurs working independently will create the best breakthroughs and solutions.
- Taylor thinks government planning will lead to the most progress. While private businesses have a role to play, Taylor believes using government agencies to coordinate resources and set priorities will create the best breakthroughs and solutions.
Respondents were asked to indicate whether they: strongly agree with Alex; somewhat agree with Alex; strongly agree with Taylor; or somewhat agree with Taylor.
Progress Pulse
Progress Pulse is a data-driven research project of the Human Flourishing Lab exploring views about progress. We conduct regular surveys of the American people on questions related to human advancement, emerging technologies, and visions of the future.
Clay Routledge, PhD, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Archbridge Institute, where he also leads the institute’s Human Flourishing Lab. As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing. Dr. Routledge received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is co-editor of Profectus Magazine, an online publication dedicated to human progress and flourishing. He writes the weekly newsletter "Flourishing Friday."
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