Communism vs. Socialism: What's The Difference?

Summary

This video explores the concepts of communism and socialism, highlighting their shared goal of limiting worker exploitation and reducing class inequality. It explains how Karl Marx's theories laid the groundwork for these ideologies, with socialism seen as a precursor to communism. While true communism has never been realized, the video discusses how socialist principles have been applied with varying success in countries like Sweden and Canada, though often hindered by corruption and power struggles. The video concludes by emphasizing that, despite historical attempts, no nation has ever fully achieved a communist society.

Takeaways

• 😀 There has never been a true communist country in the history of the modern world, despite many countries describing themselves as communist.
• 😀 Communism and socialism both aim to limit worker exploitation and reduce the influence of economic classes in society.
• 😀 Both communism and socialism originate from Marxism, with various interpretations like Stalinism, Leninism, and Maoism.
• 😀 Karl Marx’s theory centered on the exploitation of workers (proletariat) by the owners of production (bourgeoisie).
• 😀 According to Marx, socialism is a necessary step before achieving communism, as it transitions from capitalism to collective ownership.
• 😀 In socialism, a democratic state controls the means of production, with people working for the collective good and sharing the results equally.
• 😀 Socialism exists in capitalist societies through services like universal healthcare and public services funded by taxes.
• 😀 Communism aims to abolish private property and establish a classless, stateless society where everyone contributes to the collective goal.
• 😀 Every so-called communist country, including the former Soviet Union and North Korea, has actually been a socialist state.
• 😀 Corruption and abuse of power in socialist states have hindered the realization of true communist ideals, preventing full control by the people.
• 😀 While socialism struggles with corruption, it has seen success when combined with capitalism in countries like Sweden and Canada.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video about communist countries?

The video argues that, contrary to popular belief, there has never been a true communist country. While countries like China and North Korea describe themselves as communist, they do not meet the criteria for a true communist society as defined by Karl Marx.

What do communism and socialism have in common?

Both communism and socialism share the goal of limiting worker exploitation and reducing or eliminating economic class divisions in society. They are ideologies focused on promoting equality and collective ownership of the means of production.

What is Karl Marx's central idea in his theory of communism?

Karl Marx's theory centers around the idea that workers (the proletariat) are exploited by those who own the means of production (the bourgeoisie). To fix this inequality, Marx advocated for the proletariat to collectively control the means of production.

How does socialism differ from communism according to Marx?

According to Marx, socialism is a precursor to communism. In socialism, the state controls the means of production, whereas in communism, the goal is total collective ownership, including private property, and a classless, moneyless, stateless society.

What examples of socialism are present in capitalist societies?

In capitalist societies, examples of socialism include universal health care, public services like fire departments, and schools, which are funded by taxes and intended to serve the common good, regardless of individual economic status.

What is the ultimate goal of communism as outlined in the video?

The ultimate goal of communism is to establish a classless, moneyless, and stateless society where everyone works toward the collective goal of being healthy, happy, and free, contributing what they can and taking only what they need.

Why have no countries ever truly achieved communism?

No country has ever truly achieved communism due to corruption and abuse of power. In countries like the former USSR and North Korea, leaders often failed to relinquish power to the people, preventing the realization of a true communist society.

What was the Soviet Union actually called, despite being labeled communist?

The Soviet Union was officially called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), reflecting its socialist, rather than communist, nature. It was a state-controlled society with a significant degree of central authority.

How do socialism and capitalism work together in countries like Sweden and Canada?

In countries like Sweden and Canada, socialist ideals, such as universal health care and social services, are implemented alongside capitalist economies. This blend allows for social safety nets without completely abandoning market economies.

What is the key challenge in achieving communism, according to the video?

The key challenge in achieving communism is overcoming the human tendencies toward power and greed. Governments that have adopted socialist principles have often been unable to avoid the corruption that prevents the true realization of a communist society.