Socialism is an economic and political ideology that advocates for collective ownership and democratic control of the means of production and distribution of goods and services. It emphasizes the importance of social justice, equality, and the welfare of the community as a whole. In a socialist society, the means of production, such as factories, land, and resources, are commonly owned and managed by the state or the collective, rather than by private individuals.
One key principle of socialism is the equitable redistribution of wealth, aiming to reduce or eliminate socioeconomic disparities and promote a fairer distribution of resources. This often involves progressive taxation, where the wealthy are taxed more heavily than the less affluent, and the provision of social services, such as education, healthcare, and social security, to ensure a basic standard of living for all citizens.
Unlike free-market capitalism, which prioritizes individual profit and competition, socialism emphasizes cooperation and solidarity among individuals. It seeks to minimize or eliminate the exploitation of labor and to prioritize the needs of the working class. Socialism has been implemented in various forms, ranging from democratic socialism, with elected governments overseeing the socialist economy, to more authoritarian versions, where the state exercises greater control over the means of production.
Critics argue that socialist systems can stifle individual entrepreneurship, limit personal freedoms, and lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation. Proponents, however, contend that socialism can address social ills, such as poverty and inequality, and enable a more just and inclusive society.
That system which has for its object the reconstruction of society on the basis of a community of property, and association instead of competition in every branch of human industry; communism.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "socialism" originated from the Latin term "socius" meaning "companion" or "associate". The term further developed in the 1830s to refer to the political ideology that advocates for the collective or communal ownership and control over the means of production, as well as the equitable distribution of resources and the elimination of social inequalities. While the concept of socialism predates its use as a term, it gained popularity during the 19th-century industrialization and political movements as a response to the social and economic problems arising from capitalism. The word itself was likely coined in the early 19th century in France, and its usage spread across Europe throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.