Socialism and Communism
Karl Marx, lived from 1818 to 1883, and formulated the basic ideas for
Communism.
He wanted to put an end to the struggle between the owners (Bourgeoise)
and the workers (Proletariat).
Marx believed that the bourgeoisie (owners) were exploiting (taking
advantage of) the proletariat (industrial workers). Eventually the workers
life would become so miserable they would rise up in a spontaneous and
violent revolution and overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a
dictatorship of the proletariat.
Workers establish a dictatorship of the proletariat and government
controls the economy
Over time private property is abolished and a classless society is created
People work for the good of the group. They move from "me" to "we"
Marx described this in the quote, "From each according to his ability, to
each according to his need.”
Once society reached this final stage according to Marx, "Government
would wither away and die."
Communist Values: extreme collectivist, total equality, including economic
equality.
Socialism
Socialism is an economic set of ideas, somewhere between Capitalism and
Communism.
Socialists reject the idea of violent revolution. They bring about change
slowly through democratic means. The amount of change depends on the
wishes of the voters.
Socialists, when they get elected strive for the following policies:
• some form of central economic planning
• nationalization of most important industries
• a comprehensive social welfare program. (cradle to grave)
Sweden is an example of a socialist state although recently voters have
chosen a government that is reducing the role of government and cutting
taxes
The New Democratic Party in Canada and the Labour parties in England and
Australia are examples of democratic socialism.
Socialist Goals and Values: COLLECTIVIST
• Collective intetest: cooperative helpful compassionat caring
and sharing society)
• Collective Responsibility: government responsible for the
well-being of citizens (no one gets left out or left behind)
• Economic Equality – government intervenes in the economy
to ensure a more equitable distribution of income. How? By
funding social programs to help the poor and providing
important services like health care to everyone.
• Nationalization of important industries; government
ownership of large business interests
• Cooperation: belief that we are all in this together
• we judge a society by how it treats the weakest and most
vulnerable people