ANARCHIST COMMUNISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Anarchist communists are individuals or groups who advocate for the abolition of hierarchical structures and the establishment of a society based on common ownership, cooperation, and direct democratic principles. Combining elements of anarchism and communism, anarchist communists believe that the state, along with any other centralized authority, should be eliminated, and instead, power and decision-making should be decentralized and placed directly in the hands of communities and individuals.
The core principle of anarchist communism is the rejection of private property and the defense of communal ownership. Anarchist communists argue that private ownership perpetuates inequalities, exploitation, and class divisions within society, and instead advocate for the creation and maintenance of common property, resources, and means of production, which would be collectively managed by the community. They envision a society where the needs of every individual are met, and where resources and wealth are distributed equitably among all members.
Anarchist communists emphasize voluntary association and cooperation as the basis for social organization, rejecting coercion and authoritarian structures. They propose a system of voluntary cooperation that includes free associations, communal self-governance, and federations of autonomous communities. They also advocate for the abolition of wage labor, proposing instead the establishment of systems based on mutual aid and the principles of "from each according to ability, to each according to need."
In summary, anarchist communists seek to establish a classless, stateless, and egalitarian society based on common ownership, direct democracy, cooperation, and the elimination of hierarchies and oppressive structures.
Etymology of ANARCHIST COMMUNISTS
The term "anarchist communists" combines two distinct concepts: anarchism and communism.
The word "anarchist" originated from the Greek word "anarkhos", which is a combination of "an", meaning "without", and "arkhos", meaning "ruler" or "authority". Anarchism is a political ideology that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including the state. Anarchists believe in a society based on voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and the absence of coercive power structures.
On the other hand, the term "communism" is derived from the Latin "communis", meaning "common" or "shared". Communism is a socioeconomic ideology that aims to establish a classless society where property is collectively owned, and resources are distributed based on needs.
