Socialism

Socialist Theory

Socialism is a political ideology predicated on the notion that all citizens should share in the control of social, political, and economic power and receive an equitable distribution of society's wealth. One of the main tenets of socialism is the belief in the social state of human nature, based on the Enlightenment ideas of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Socialists thus believe that humans have an innate natural desire to work toward the social good. They also believe that private property has disrupted this basic human nature. In economic terms, socialism is often viewed as an alternative to capitalism, with its emphasis on private property rights and the individual profit motive.

Throughout history, socialism has encompassed a variety of different forms that have ranged across the political spectrum, from dictatorships to democratic social welfare states and from left to right. Socialists have also advocated different methods of implementing socialism that have varied with the circumstances of their particular historical times or locations. Finally, socialist movements have occurred at both the national and international levels, including the rise of the Socialist International.

Some socialists envision an egalitarian society based on industrialization, praising the technological innovations that were key developments in the battle against scarcity and poverty but criticizing the fact that capitalists had put such developments to use for personal gain, which resulted in economic inequalities. Socialist state control of enterprise would allow these developments to serve all of society equally. Others envision a rural, agricultural society based on a romanticized view of historical lifestyles and values. Other socialists have advocated the idea of the modern welfare state, in which the state provides for the needs of all citizens, including housing, education, health care, retirement funds, and unemployment benefits. Socialists agree that socialism will result in a stable egalitarian society that meets the basic needs of all citizens.

Communist theory shared many similarities with socialist theory, and both are based on similar goals of ending the perceived injustices of industrial capitalism, such as class conflict and inequality. Socialism and communism, however, differ on the methods of achieving those goals. Communists sought the ultimate elimination of the state rather than an egalitarian welfare state. Socialism advocates collective ownership of the means of production and distribution whereas communism specifically advocates the abolishment of private property. Some socialists also base their theory of socialism on the work of German philosopher and economist Marx and partner Engels as outlined in the 1848 Communist Manifesto.

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