Difference Between Socialism and Communism

"Communism is like one big phone company" - Lenny Bruce
"Socialism is like a dream. Sooner or later you wake up to reality" - Winston Churchill.

Are the principles of communism and socialism different from each other. Yes, they are and the difference between socialism and communism can be put together in many aspects and points. However, along with differences, these two ideological doctrines also share many similarities. Various societies have inculcated myriad forms of socialism and communism and to such an extent that, the difference between these cannot be pin pointed. This article is a mere attempt to help you decipher some of the general points which can simplify the difference between socialism and communism.

Socialism vs Communism

Socialism Definition: Socialism is defined as "a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole."

Communism Definition: Communism is defined as "a political and social system whereby, all the property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and need".

From the following points you will be able to discern the major communism and socialism differences. Read more on communism vs socialism.

Socialism

• refers to an economic system, wherein a social control based on deliberative and collective approach, is utilized by the economy.
• presses on the belief that the effort (deeds) of an individual which goes behind the production of goods and services will decide the distribution - "From each according to his ability, to each according to his deeds"
• favors the ideology of capitalism and that it is beneficial for the society, when being governed by a centralized planning society
puts forward that the control of the economy structure becomes better with more hands

Communism

• favors both economic and political system. Here, the property is collectively owned and its control of its distribution is centralized. These ensure the achievement of what communism is based on - classlessness and statelessness.
• "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" - is what communism states. Here the goods and services will be distributed according to individual's needs.
• does not agree the establishment of capitalism and private ownership in the society. These hamper the development of a classless society.
• strives towards controlling the structure of the economy through limited number of resources.

These were some of the major points being put towards the difference between socialism and communism. The following is a summary about the differences between these two ideologies.

Socialism Ideologies
Socialism is basically a means through which goods and services can be distributed, unlike a political system. Here the production is based on the exact need of a specific requirement and the person who requires it. As mentioned earlier, the working of the economy favors the intervention of everyone and that is why socialism is liberal by nature. One of the founders of socialism was Friedrich Engels.

Communism Ideologies
Going with the communist ideals - classlessness and statelessness, it can be inferred that communism is centered around abolishing all differences in the society. That is the reason why, it does not favor capitalism and private ownership. It strives to establish a free society, without class or racial divisions. Resources should be available to one and all to be used with equal and fair opportunity. Check out some quotes written by the father of communism on Karl Max quotes. You can read more on:

• Democracy
• Imperialism
• Liberalism

There is more to the difference between socialism and communism and it is virtually impossible to cover all of them in black and white. The key is to get oneself acquainted with the history, origination and the people responsible for introducing these ideologies to the world. Books are one good source for this. Keep reading and learning more...