The growing popularity of the Democratic Socialists of America reflects the continuing decline in patriotism among young Americans. A variety of polls illustrate this. Most recently, a CNBC/Generation Lab poll shows that young American adults are more likely than ever to favor socialism, with 46 percent having a favorable view of democratic socialism while only 23 percent had an unfavorable view.

Much of this disaffection stems from the American economy. Younger Millennials and Gen Z often complain, for example, that the cost of housing is cheating them out of the American dream. To them, America’s free market economy is becoming an unconscionable obstacle to the good life. This should be alarming. Younger Americans are increasingly in favor of changing America’s most unique feature – its free market economic system.

At first, America inherited most of its culture, religions, and institutions from Europe. But over time, a growing gulf emerged between America’s free-market economic system and the economic systems of countries in the rest of the West. More than anywhere else, America’s free market economic system was fueled by, and contributed to, unprecedented creativity and freedom. These two hallmarks of America made unprecedented mass flourishing possible.

Young Americans are increasingly rejecting the very system that largely defines America. To stem this tide, we need to integrate economics into the civics curriculum as never before. No greater threat to our way of life exists than our own citizens turning against our economic system because they don’t understand it.

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