Communism

Definition

Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is collectively owned, eliminating private ownership and the state. It seeks to achieve a system where goods and services are distributed based on need, aiming for equality among individuals. The ideas of Karl Marx heavily influenced the development of communism, particularly his critiques of capitalism and his belief in revolutionary change as a means to achieve a socialist society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communism emerged as a response to the inequalities created by capitalism, aiming to address issues such as poverty, exploitation, and social injustice.
2. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels outlined their vision for communism in 'The Communist Manifesto' published in 1848, calling for workers of the world to unite against oppressive systems.
3. In practice, communist regimes have often been characterized by state control of the economy, suppression of political dissent, and central planning.
4. While intended to create equality, historical implementations of communism have resulted in significant challenges, including economic inefficiency and authoritarian rule.
5. The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant turning point for communism, leading to debates about its viability and future in global politics.

Review Questions

• How did Karl Marx's critique of capitalism contribute to the development of communist ideology?
  • Karl Marx's critique of capitalism highlighted the exploitation and alienation experienced by the working class (proletariat) under capitalist systems. He argued that capitalism inherently led to class struggles between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers), which would ultimately culminate in a revolutionary change. This critique formed the foundation for communist ideology, as Marx envisioned a classless society where all property is collectively owned and distributed based on need.
• Discuss the key features that distinguish communism from other political ideologies.
  • Communism is distinguished from other political ideologies by its commitment to creating a classless society through collective ownership of property. Unlike socialism, which may allow for some degree of private ownership, communism seeks to eliminate private property entirely. Additionally, communism advocates for a revolutionary approach to achieve its goals, emphasizing the necessity of overthrowing existing capitalist structures, which contrasts with more reformist ideologies that aim for gradual change within current systems.
• Evaluate the implications of historical implementations of communism on contemporary views about its viability as an economic system.
  • Historical implementations of communism, particularly in the Soviet Union and China, have led to significant debate regarding its viability as an economic system. While intended to promote equality and eliminate class disparities, many regimes faced challenges such as economic inefficiency, bureaucratic corruption, and authoritarian governance. These outcomes have influenced contemporary views on communism, with critics pointing to these failures as evidence against its effectiveness. However, supporters argue that true communism has yet to be realized due to external pressures and misinterpretations. This ongoing discussion reflects on both the theoretical aspirations of communism and the practical realities observed throughout history.

Related terms

Marxism: A socio-economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, advocating for the class struggle as a means to overthrow capitalism and establish a communist society.

Proletariat: The working class who, according to Marxist theory, must unite to overthrow the bourgeoisie and achieve a classless society.

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class who own the means of production and are considered the oppressors of the proletariat in Marxist theory.