A generation removed from the Cold War, and four from World War II, and suddenly alternatives to capitalism don’t look so bad to America’s youth, a poll by Cato Institute-Morning Consult taken June 25 to June 26 found, with 53 percent of Generation Z, those born between 1997 to 2012, viewing socialism favorably. Only 23 percent view it unfavorably.
It’s a departure from older generations. Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996 in the poll, have a 40 percent favorable view of socialism versus 31 percent unfavorable.
Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, are 36 percent favorable to socialism and 35 percent unfavorable.
And Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are 27 percent favorable to socialism and 54 percent unfavorable.
Overall, among adults, 37 percent view socialism favorably, and 37 percent view it unfavorably.
When asked about communism, the tone turns a lot more negative. 38 percent of Gen Z view communism favorably and 37 percent view it unfavorably.
Only 29 percent of Millennials view communism favorably while 39 percent view it unfavorably.
16 percent of Gen X views communism favorably while 59 percent view it unfavorably.
And just 6 percent of Baby Boomers view communism favorably while 81 percent view it unfavorably.
Overall, among adults, only 21 percent view communism favorably while 55 percent view it unfavorably.
So, if you lived through the Cold War even in part, you tend to hold a more negative view of both communism and socialism, but if you didn’t, eventually the views become more positive.
But it might not be all bad news. In terms of capitalism being viewed unfavorably — a necessary condition to wanting to overthrow it — it comes in at 23 percent for all adults. 51 percent still view it favorably.
Going through each cohort again, 45 percent of Gen Z views capitalism favorably while only 32 percent view it unfavorably.
50 percent of Millennials view capitalism favorably while only 20 percent view it unfavorably.
46 percent of Gen X views capitalism favorably while 26 percent view it unfavorably.
And 64 percent of Baby Boomers view capitalism favorably while just 18 percent view it unfavorably.
Generally, looking at all age groups, as one gets older (an inevitability), capitalism is viewed more favorably and socialism is viewed less favorably. And yet, 18 years ago, conservatives would have sworn Millennials were about to lead a communist revolution following election of Barack Obama.
Unfortunately, the revolution to seize the means of production only needs to succeed once and then it usually establishes one-party rule, and so once again, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
The good news is, experience still works — getting a job, getting married, buying a home, raising kids, etc. — and so does persuasion. Education does not stop when you get a diploma.
The bad news could arrive later if inflation stays high or a serious recession hits. Communist and socialist movements have long capitalized on war and economic turmoil. A strong economy fosters political stability. The revolution could always be one depression away.
Robert Romano is the Executive Director of Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
