5 Fundamentals and Principles of Socialism

Between the foundations and principles of socialism they are the socialization of the means of production, the end of the exploitation of man by man or the abolition of social classes.

The theory of socialism Modern was born at the beginning of the 19th century in England and France, although that term had previously been used to define some philosophies.

5 Fundamentals and Principles of Socialism

There are various branches of socialism, from the utopian to the scientist Marx and Engels, its best-known authors. They differ in small details of social, economic organization and in the way to reach power.

As for its doctrinal derivations, communism and anarchism, if more differences are found. In any case, the communists recognize socialism as the first step to reach the communist society.

5 Fundamentals and principles of socialism

1- Socialized production media

The first principle on which socialism is based is to end private ownership of the means of production.

In this way, the factories and other work centers would pass into the hands of the State, that is, of all those who form it, including the workers.

In any case, socialism does not only speak of state property. It also refers to the creation of cooperatives in which the workers would be, at the same time, owners and responsible.

2- End of the exploitation of man by man

Intimately related to the previous one, this foundation of the socialist ideology claims that there are no entrepreneurs or great oligarchs who only look for their own interests.

It is intended that the exploitation disappear, workers obtaining full profits from what is produced by their activity.

3- End of social classes and distribution of wealth

By eliminating the upper economic classes, there would be no differences between them and the rest of society. In this way, those who derive benefits from the work of others would cease to exist.

This should lead to a better distribution of wealth. Faced with what many think, it is not about all workers earning the same, but the differences are much smaller.

The phrase of the first socialist theorists"of each according to his capacities, to each according to his needs", summarizes perfectly this principle of socialism.

4- Primacy of the community against individualism

Within socialism special emphasis is placed on the idea of ​​society, leaving something aside to the individual. It is intended that each economic action redounds in the common benefit and not in the individual earnings of each one.

It is intended in this way to end the selfishness of capitalism, based on achieving maximum profits.

As an example of this idea, public health services can be put in some countries, even if they are not socialist.

All inhabitants pay taxes to pay for it, whether they use it or not. It is about putting the health of the whole society above that only those who have money can pay for it.

5- State interventionism

While the capitalism puts the reference in the market, which theoretically must work by itself, socialism believes in the intervention of the State to correct the imbalances that arise.

This can range from deciding what type of crop is most suitable for the whole society at a given time, to limit the prices paid for some basic elements.

Within these, you can set an example of state regulations in areas such as housing, education or electricity.

References

  1. Socialist International. Declaration of Principles. Retrieved from internationalsocialista.org
  2. Philosophy.net. What is Socialism?. Retrieved from filosofia.net
  3. The Socialist Party of Great Britain. The Basic Principles of Socialism. Retrieved from worldsocialism.org
  4. The Home of American Intellectual Conservatism. Socialism Retrieved from firstprinciplesjournal.com
  5. The Project. Statement of Aims and Principles. Retrieved from socialistproject.org


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