Despite the similarities of these two ideologies, socialism and fascism are quite different. They originated in different periods and had other goals. Socialism was created in the 1800s with the intent to create a classless society where people were equal politically, socially, and economically. Fascist ideology is much more recent, originating from the 1920s to create an authoritarian government that would have total control over its citizens’ lives. The core values of both ideologies are very similar: they want absolute power over their citizens and all their resources. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between socialism and fascism to understand better how they affect people’s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is socialism?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Socialism is defined as a “political, social and economic philosophy encompassing a range of economic and social systems characterized by social ownership of the means of production. It includes the political theories and movements associated with such systems” [Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can also be explained as a “political and economic system in which property and the means of production are owned in common, typically controlled by the state or government.” It is based on the idea that “common ownership of resources and means of production leads to a more equal society” [Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a Marxist point of view, socialism is a state achieved after workers overthrow capitalists. These workers will create a society dominated by equality. Every person is treated equally, and there are no social classes. It is part of social transition that seeks to bring equality and break all strides of human oppression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Socialism is mainly concerned with economies such as the distribution of wealth, ownership of property and means of production, public good, and services, but can be used in other aspects like politics and a way of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is fascism?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Merriam Webster defines fascism as a “political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition” [Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can also be viewed as “an autocratic political movement that emphasizes a centralized-nationalistic government above individualism.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being fascist is described as a “tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control.” The word fascism is accredited to Italians and linked to the Fascisti of Benito Mussolini. He utilized this model to unite Italians to obey a single authority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Under fascism, private property, private enterprise, and personal choice in the market have no rights as ends in themselves. They have different measures of social usefulness subject to public control. [Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarities between socialism and fascism<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are notable similarities between socialism and fascism, including the idea of government intervention in terms of economic and social policies, but reasons for such involvement may differ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both socialism and fascism agree on the government controlling the means of production. Socialists and fascists advocate for this concept, which holds that the government should be in charge of caring for its people and, to a certain extent, suppressing selfishness by private firms. Also, under socialism and fascism, issues affecting people in a nation are dealt with by authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is argued that “Both systems (that is socialism and fascism) have incredibly powerful and effective ideologies” [Source]<\/a>, which can amass a lot of support from the masses and trigger a large social movement. Due to this powerful ability, there is a need for strong leaders and well-established government organizations to achieve set objectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is an element of collective in these two systems, where people have to unite and form a front to tackle challenges presented in a nation or society. These philosophies are anti-capitalistic and oppose a free market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n