Could someone explain the principle differences in socialism and communism?

Question

Please include examples of countries with socialism and communism as their form of government

Answer 1

Look no further than Liberal democrats you have socialism with a deep desire for communism

Answer 2

The main difference is the level how the private property is respected or allowed. In the Socialism there is still some private property, like your more personal goods. In the Communism, theoretically, there is no private property. All is for everybody.

In the practice there is not a country that had or could apply a full Communism law.

For some politicians and philosophers, communism will be an "stage" of the history.

With the failure of the "real" socialism, is clear that Communism is only a theoretical statement.

Consider these differences as a discussion between the all the followers of the socialism.

Answer 3

The problem in answering this is the variations. A pure marxist communism is a state owned everything which then makes all people equal...its a great theory but does not take into account the human pyschic which is going to demand a little more attention. Cuba is probably the best example of a communist state now; though some would also say China. Both demonstrate the flaws in communism (look at the net work of Fidel vs the common citizen and you see the flaw).

Socialism is a massive redistribution of wealth through taxation. The idea of taxing nearly everything over a certain earnings level to make all people equal - and to regulate profits in the same manner. Socialism is more of a variance to capitalism them communism. There are several northern European countries you can study to see examples of socialism.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Communism is one type of Socialism. In real Communism, there is no ownership in business by individuals. The entrepreneur doesn't exist. It is also totalitarian, with one name on the ballot if there is an election at all.
There is also "democratic socialism" like you see in most European countries (Germany, Great Britain, Norway). There is no exact dividing line between socialism and capitalism. It's a matter of degree. Pure forms of either don't exist. Even our own system is called "modified capitalism" or "social capitalism." That means that there is SOME amount of government regulation and ownership of business, and that there are many government agencies implementing social programs like welfare, Social Security, Medicaid, etc.
You get an idea of the level of "socialization" in a country by taxes and programs resembling Social Security. Socialist systems have more of both. Keep in mind, however, very few people favor "pure" capitalism either. Systems that come close to that are good in the sense that taxes are low and there isn't much bureaucracy. The down side is that there isn't much the poor can do to advance. Also, if you get sick or loose your money, there isn't any safety net. You're just SOL.

Answer 5

Socialism: an economic system established by a workers government as a transitional stage to communism. During socialism the workers government uses state power to dismantle the remnants of the old society, they nationalize industries, create social programs, and public institutions. The power of the workers government is also used to suppress the return of the capitalist class to power. Socialism can be implemented on a national or regional scale and presupposes democracy through workers councils (or Soviets) practicing direct democracy. Communism: according to Marxist literature, communism occurs when the entire earth has been brought under workers governments practicing socialism and that the people of the earth have been sufficiently educated, the capitalists have been entirely deprived of power, and the distinctions between classes have been eliminated. the most distinguishing feature of communism is that it is a world system (Marx was specific on this) and that there are no more class divisions. it is also important to note that Socialism and Communism are economic systems, meaning they can be democracies or autocracies, although many seem to believe that dictatorships or totalitarian regimes are prerequisites of Socialism and Communism this does not appear in the political theory ... although the dictatorship of workers over capitalists along with revolution to overthrow capitalism is stressed ...

Answer 6

Simply put, in socialism the government takes care of the people. In communism as it is practiced, the government owns everything. In true communism, the ideal of it, all people own everything and have equal rights to everything.

This is the simplest form I can put it into, though the explanation and descriptions of either and how they are practiced today would make up an extremely large book.

The United States is highly socialistic, as are Canada and Britain. We are told that North Korea, China, and Vietnam are communistic.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Socialism is about as real as a purple camel in Alaska. It's a ruse. Like environmentalism, it's communism in sheep's clothing. Countries like the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Vietnam, Albania & Cuba are CURRENTLY Communist and the so-called conservative Supreme Court of the United States is leading America slowly but surely in that direction.

Answer 8

Some good answers here. Big Brother. Along with no civil rights and no property rights. And we think we have it bad. Always pays to look around you in this great big world.

Answer 9

go to google, type in communism click search and you will have much to read, then do the same for socialsim. I think you will have a complete answer for both.

Answer 10

socialism is extermly similar to comunism, and if i am correct, they are two word with the same meaning...china is comunist....russia was too