The terms Socialism and Communism are often used interchangeably by people who do not know the difference between them. Socialism is based on equality while Communism imposes an authoritative rule over its citizens. This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Socialism and Communism.
What is Socialism?
Socialism “is a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole” [Source]. Under socialism, the property is owned by a state or government, and it has authority over how resources are distributed. The controlling state or government is usually elected through democratic means and empowered to govern society.
Society is viewed as an organic unity, and social classes are dissolved when people participate in democracy and create a system that will eventually lead to communism.
What is Communism?
Communism is a “philosophy based on the equitable distribution of wealth among a nation’s citizens and common ownership of all property” [Source]. It can be seen as a social and economic philosophy whereby private property ownership is eliminated [Source], which is done to instill equality in society.
Communists posit that resources are limited, so private ownership creates inequality, thus influencing competition for resources. All social classes are removed, and cooperation is encouraged.
Similarities between Socialism and Communism
Socialism and communism are similar in terms of central planning [Source], meaning that economic activities are “centrally planned” by central planners who make decisions for the whole society. Also, there is collective ownership or ownership and control in both philosophies. All factories, transport systems, machinery, and industries are owned collectively.
Both socialism and communism are against private ownership and control of production; only the government can be entrusted with such a task. As economic systems, communism and socialism promote a classless society where everyone is equal, and class struggles and conflicts are absent.
Another similarity is that social welfare is a top priority, so there are no selfish activities. Production is done after knowing what the public needs. Also, the public is not exploited for any reason, and capitalist tendencies are not entertained. When it comes to power, “all economic and political power is concentrated in the hands of a single authority, that is one existing political party” or a ruling government. Socialists and communists implement a ‘no profit motive,’ affecting workers’ motivation.
Difference between Socialist and Communist
While socialism focuses on inequalities arising from social classes, communism is the endpoint of social progression [Source]. It defines the bedrock of a good livelihood in the society.
For a socialist, collective ownership entails a government or states owning and controlling a big share, while for communists, it is the entire community that owns the property. Socialists open a platform to engage other political systems such as democracy, social democracy, and parliamentary democracy, where-areas communists enable the people to have a direct link to running the economy, and its implementation is quite tricky.
Socialists accept freedom of religion, but communists “abolish religion, that is, the system rejects all religion and metaphysics.” An individual has to contribute according to his ability and gets returns based on their contribution from a socialist perspective, but a communist view states that everyone contributes to their abilities and they receive based on their needs.
Communists thrive on meeting all people’s basic needs, and socialists’ intentions are to meet both ‘societal and individual needs. People are rewarded as per their contribution only by socialists, and communists reward them as their contribution and requirements. Communist economies favor the absence of state control, but a socialist one will depend on a state-controlled society.
Examples of Socialist Policies
Some countries are not completely socialist but utilize this system in governance issues. Examples of socialist policies include medicare, social security, the minimum wage, and child labor laws [Source]. Terry Bodanski gave a long list of other policies, guaranteed public education, and public transportation, among others. Bodanski noted that socialist policies are basically “public everything,” such as public libraries, public parks, and public toilets [Source].
Examples of Communist Policies
One of the most prominent examples of communist policy was when the Bolsheviks took productive property, including factories and mines, from Russia’s government’s control [Source]. In China, the government controls manufacturing industries that generate profits. The Cuban government controls hospitals, medical professionals, and medical supplies. Communism in North Korea enables the Korean government to oversee farmlands, workers, and food distribution.
Difference between Utopian Socialists and Communists
Utopian socialists believe in a “perfect and equal society and promoted the ideals of a more humanitarian world.” “Communism” refers to an economic, political, and social system in which most or all property and resources are collectively owned by a class-free society rather than individual citizens.
The socialist utopian still desires the state to control industrial and manufacturing capacity, with individuals owning personal property, while communists desire that economic resources be publicly owned, with individuals having no personal property. Socialists protect freedom of religion. Communists, on the other hand, seek to eliminate all religions.
Merriam-Webster defines utopian socialism as “socialism based on a belief that social ownership of the means of production can be achieved by the voluntary and peaceful surrender of their possessions by propertied groups.” [Source] It differs from a communist viewpoint, which takes away the rights of private owners.
