Socialism and Communism

Does socialism have a single meaning across all societies?

No — meaning varies; understanding requires recognizing different types of socialist ideologies.

How did socialism historically develop?

• Existed as a political ideology prior to Marxism

• Influenced Communism

• Early thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the “common”/greater good

What is the “greater good” in socialist thought?

Actions should benefit the majority while protecting minority rights.

Who originated radical socialism?

Francis Babeuf.

Goal of radical socialism?

Create an army of socialist warriors to overthrow corrupt rulers.

Distinguishing feature?

Violent overthrow of political structures if reform fails.

Key point of Radical socialism?

Achieves society without long-term need through violence.

Goal of utopian socialism?

Create an ideal society.

Key advocates / features of utopian socialism?

• Public ownership of production

• Democratic social organizations

• Eradicate all wants (everyone’s basic needs met)

What is the Approach to utopian socialism?

Non-violent — focus on education, conversation, mass communication.

Who is the key figure of Utopian Socialism?

Robert Owen, businessman who treated workers kindly and created US communes.

What is the key point of utopian socialism?

Society without long-term need without violence.

What is scientific socialism?

Socialism influenced by rationality and science, first step toward Communism (Marx).

Why does capitalism collapse according to scientific socialism?

Rich get richer, poor get poorer → civil unrest leads to eventual natural collapse.

What is scientific socialism’s approach?

Evolutionary, not revolutionary — change occurs over time.

What is the key point of scientific socialism?

Believes in evolution of society, not forced revolution.

Where is social democratic socialism dominant?

Europe, model followed in Canada.

What are the key features of social democratic socialism?

• Universal social programs

• Mixed economy (public/private)

• Public taxation to reduce inequality

What is the key idea behind social democratic socialism?

Health of society is measured by the gap between rich and poor.

What is the focus behind social democratic socialism?

Balance greed and minimize economic disparities.

What does communism focus on?

Collective benefit, not individual gain.

Goal of communism?

Manage inequality and create equality for all.

Critique of communism?

Leaders govern; they are not on the same level as everyone else.

What is Marx’s perspective of communism?

Communism = final stage of socialism → classless society, workers unite, state eventually withers away.

What are the Key theoretical challenges of communism?

Difficult to define/implement; different countries adopt varied interpretations.

Who are the proletariat?

The workers / majority.

Who are the bourgeoisie?

The elite / ruling class.

What drives historical change?

Conflict between proletariat and bourgeoisie.

Examples of implementation?

• Stalin: forceful mass mobilization

• Mao Tse-Tung: peasant-led revolution; applicability debated

What are key concerns of socialist ideologies?

Inequality and social welfare.

What is debated among socialists?

Means to achieve goals: violent vs. non-violent, revolutionary vs. evolutionary.

What is emphasized among socialist ideologies?

Collective benefit vs. individual gain.

What is the ongoing tension among socialist ideologies?

Balance between idealistic theory and practical implementation.

How can socialism be summarized for exams?

Socialism seeks collective welfare and equality, but varies in approach (radical, utopian, scientific, social democratic), with debates on means (violence vs evolution) and practical implementation.