What is the difference between Socialism and Communism?

Answer 1

From each according to his ability and to each according to his work--is socialism.

From each according to his ability and to each according to his needs-- is Communism.

In Socialism, there will a dictatorship of the preliterate and the means of the production will be owned by the government run by the representative of the workers. Communism is an ideal state in which there will be absolutely no scope for private ownership. The State, which was there in the Socialistic set up, as a means for controlling the production, will wither away.

Answer 2

Socialism is an economic model where the means of production (farms, factories, etc.) are owned and operated by the government. The government manages the resources and ensures that everyone has access to them.

Communism is an economic model where ALL property is owned by the government. There is no private property ownership.

Unlike Communism, Socialism allows private property ownership of everything except natural resources and means of production. Socialists models also allow for govt ownership of other essential services, such as utilities, education or health care. But that's an option or a variant, not part of the core socialist definition.

It's also important to note that both of these are economic models. Not political models. You can have a dictatorship or monarchy using capitolism. And you have have a democracy or republic that is is socialist or communist. How (or whether) the leaders are elected is independent of how property is owned.

Answer 3

Communism is just hypothetical. It's like the destination. Socialism is a means of getting there.
EDIT
I'll clarify:
Socialism is the transitional state where the gonvernment begins taking things away and weaning people, so to speak, from their capitalistic tendencies. When a society reaches a communistic state, the need for government witers completely since human nature has been effectively quelled for so many generations. Communism has never existed on earth, only socialism. Read Karl Marx.

Answer 4

Socialism is basically where the state provides services for the people and taxation pays for it. In socialized countries privitization of things like health care and education are restricted and there is a lot of pricing controls, which is why medicine is cheaper in Canada, for example.

Communism is where the government takes over and owns literally everything, so no matter who you are you work for the government and everybody supposedly earns the same amount. It was a failed experiment and is extinct everywhere but North Korea and Cuba.

Answer 5

Socialism are democtratic systems, where there is ample public welfare, full healthcare, free trade, and higher quality basic services.

Communism there is minimal democracy. The gov't owns almost everything, and there is little free enterprise. Communists take care of their people through healthcare, and welfare, but the quality is lower.

Huge differences. The EU, Canada, Australia, etc...are all Socialist nations.

Answer 6

That's a little bit like asking the diff between animals and dogs, no disrespect intended.

Socialism is the broader concept that encompasses communism (and fascism...).

Communism is the bottom of the heap, transferring all of your effort and possessions to whomever the mob decides is worthy.

Answer 7

Communism is radical: it encourages the seizure of power with violent means if need be. (coups etc.)
Socialism means gradual change thru reforms.
The workings of both systems are the same: To make life as hard as possible for the upper/middleclasses:businessppl, lawyers etc. with higher taxes.

Answer 8

Socialists own only the companies. Communists own EVERYTHING.