Introduction to Socialism
1. What is Socialism?
Socialism is a system in which the common people, workers, take control of society, their workplaces, the government, etc.
Under
socialism, production of goods is determined on the basis of need, not
profit. Under capitalism, everything requires a profit motive, even
basic human needs such as food and water. If it is not profitable for
the capitalist, the item does not get sold or produced, no matter the human suffering. Activities
which are profitable include those which are responsible for ecological
destruction, the extinction of so many lifeforms, pollution, and climate change.
Under
socialism, everything is free from the massive inequalities omnipresent
under capitalism. Education, including college, is free and fair and not based on wealth. Workers
do not have to regularly undergo long periods of unemployment only to
enter low-paying and undesirable careers to survive and feed their
families. Stable and desirable employment is guaranteed under socialism,
made more so by unconditionally free education.
The
common people, workers, democratically control the economy and
government at all levels. No longer must you be wealthy to enter the
government. The state is run for the people, in the interests of the
people, and not in the interests of a privileged minority of the population.
2. What is Communism?
Communism is a system which is the developed extension of socialism.
Under
socialism, the birthmarks — features — of the old capitalist society
still remain in many ways. Although core aspects such as worker control
of the economy and state are present in its early stages, other features
which came to exist under capitalism will take longer to disappear.
Under
communism, the state (government and such) no longer exists, money no
longer exists, all old and backwards social traditions no longer exist,
and different classes no longer exist. Communism requires socialism to be achieved, it requires the level of development of society and the people be changed. Those who work towards and support communism are known as communists.
3. What is Marxism?
Marxism
is a framework for understanding society, exploitation, and the ways in
which history develops towards socialism and communism.
Marxism
was founded by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. They developed it from
studying past history, their present conditions under capitalism, and existing philosophy and economics. Marxism
helps us understand how capitalism is the way it is, how socialism and
communism will be, how to fight exploitation, and so on.
Marxism,
being founded as a social science, has continually been expanded on and
improved as society changes. The current form of Marxism is Marxism–Leninism. Marxism–Leninism gives us ways in which we can get to socialism and communism, how to organize, and so on.
4. Why should I be a Socialist?
If
you care about your fellow human, if you think basic needs should come
before profits, if you want a future for your children and family
without environmental destruction or devastating war, if you want
justice and democracy, and so on, you are a socialist.
Socialism
allows you to control where you work, be rewarded fairly, be provided
basic human needs, be able to reach your true potential in society. If
you have any care for democracy and the ability of the masses to govern
themselves without restriction from a privileged ruling class, you
support socialism. Capitalism can’t provide even our basic
needs — food, water, shelter, and the means to acquire all of those —
and can’t give us equality for all.
5. How do we reach Socialism?
Socialism
is radically different from our current system of capitalism. Because
it will no longer allow exploiters, the capitalist class will never
allow it, and will resist it to the end. Just like with all radically new forms of society rose, a revolution by the working class is needed to reach socialism and overcome capitalism.
But
this revolution is a complex process, and we will need to work hard to
reach it. Everything we do for our communities like raising awareness of
local issues, mutual aid, assisting the homeless, fighting racism and
bigotry, etc. are parts of the overall work towards revolution. The fight for socialism and justice is one we are waging every day and will wage until we get to socialism.
