Is it easier to transform from a Capitalist society to a Socialist one or from a Socialist to a Capitalist one

Answer 1

Neither is easy.

The changes usually happen gradually and the population doesn't even notice it that much till one day your laisez faire libertarian society has medicare, medicaid, universal healthcare, Social Security, Government run schools etc etc etc.

Socialistic/communist societies also have pangs of discord when transitioning. One only need look at the former Soviet Union and China for ongoing proof of this.

The sad part is that, even after generations of evidence about how destructive and stifling the socialistic societies end up, people still seem to clamor for them. Humans aren't built with a "Hive" gene and eventually they figure out that working harder doesn't improve their lot, so why work hard at all.

Answer 2

Wow..tough question! There's NO WAY a Capitalist society would "settle" for Socialism and a Socialist society would never sacrifice their principals for Capitalism. However, the Socialists may work towards finding some middle ground where the Capitalists would make you pay taxes on that middle ground and then sell it to the Communists as beach front property. My answer is the latter.

Answer 3

I've lived in two former communist bloc countries (the Czech Republic and Estonia) and I can tell you from being a casual observer to the change that most people seem to like all the toys and gizmos they can buy with their new found freedoms, i.e.: money. However, and all of this is anecdotal, many people seem to miss the fact that during the communist era, there was more time for family and health care was better. Both of these nations are adapting to American style capitalism, for better or worse.

Answer 4

in my opinion..pbly socialist to capitalist.
simply because when u switch from cap to soc the public will not generaly object (ie knee jerk reaction) simply because the transition will be smooth.
when you go back the other way (soc to cap) you will find the general consensus to be different.
actually that brings to light the current situation within the australian government with the democracy vs a more conservative type government.
if you can find the parallels within that example..
well, hope that answers the question.

Answer 5

there is a (social economic) continuum. I think Marx or Engels came up with it. I think capitalism is before(or evolves into) socialism and then there is communism. Pure communism has never existed.

Answer 6

Since you have to use force to effect either change its the same.