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**Joe M** · 09-17-2009, 09:42 PM

Is Socialism the same as Communism?

is one just economical and the other political?

I know this must seem retarded, but I don't know much.
I know what they are about, but what is the difference?

**onesixtyfive** · (This post was last modified: 09-18-2009 03:32 PM by onesixtyfive.)

found this that might answer your question
In very broad strokes, socialism is an economic system in which "the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy." In modern societies, socialism often attempts to eradicate class divisions. While the word "socialism" is sometimes used interchangeably with "communism," the two aren't the same -- communism is a more extreme form of socialism.

Communism advocates the "collective ownership of property and the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members." While communism is first and foremost an economic system, it's also a political ideology that rejects religion. And just as communism is a form of socialism, Marxism, Maoism, and Leninism are branches of communism.

Like socialism and communism, fascism uses a central authority to maintain control, but "terror and censorship" are common. It results from economic failure in democratic political systems. Interestingly, while socialism and communism are both on the left end of the political spectrum, fascism contains elements of both "left and right ideology" and rises from economic collapse. The most famous fascist was Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. That ought to tell you it's not a good way to run a country.

**Boboulas** · 09-18-2009, 05:27 PM

Like socialism and communism, fascism uses a central authority to maintain control, but "terror and censorship" are common. It results from economic failure in democratic political systems. Interestingly, while socialism and communism are both on the left end of the political spectrum, fascism contains elements of both "left and right ideology" and rises from economic collapse. The most famous fascist was Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. That ought to tell you it's not a good way to run a country.

How does communism and socialism relate at all to "terror and censorship", just becuase the USSR and most other communist societies were ruthless and opresive it doesnt mean the very defenition of socialism is "terror and censorship".

And to answer your question Joe M, you bring up a good point. You said I know this must seem retarded, but I don't know much. Dont feel at all embaressed for not knowing something that is commonly mistaken, most people will say that USSR was a communiunist country and that Peoples republic of china is too. They are authatarian governments NOT communist or socialist.

Socialism is exactly what it says in the name, social control of the tools of production and rescourses. Now then, socilaism is a form of economics NOT a type of government. If you ever heard of social security or free education, they are methods of socialism.

Communism is however a government ideology and not an economic one, giving power to the government to make sure everyone is equal (not necisiarily free) and make sure everyone gets free education/healthcare/ social security. You are also giving the government control of resources and control of the work place. This can lead to greedy leaders becoming dictators.

Socialism-Economic
Communism-Political

They do tend to go hand in hand but many "social democracies" have taken the best parts of socialism and democracy and combined them into effective methods of governance.

**Joe M** · 09-19-2009, 01:49 AM

Ah, I understand it better now.

I just thought that it was common knowledge.

Thanks for the information lads.

**Boboulas** · 09-19-2009, 01:54 AM

No problem, dont be afraid to ask about anything else, i can be quite resourceful when i want to be

**Joe M** · 09-19-2009, 02:10 AM

Great! now I know where to come to when I have more questions, or get confused!

**onesixtyfive** · 09-19-2009, 05:58 AM

no problem man

**shakur420** · 10-09-2009, 02:34 AM

@Boboulas.........

word.........that was a great way to explain it; couldn't have done it better myself....

.....if I may be so bold......since you might have done some research on it.........Palestine.....what are your thoughts?

lol......I know.....I know, it's a.......how do I put it? complex topic?.....at least when you look at it from different perspectives. The funny thing is, it's very UNCOMPLICATED when looked at from the perspective of international law......or the perspectives of the Palestinians/Arabs......or the perspectives of the 'modern zionist' movement......All three perspectives have a very clear understanding of their positions, views and explanations......somehow, people get things all confused, though....

just wondering what you think......lol......or should I start a new thread for that topic?

peace.....

**Enzo** · 10-09-2009, 01:39 PM

(10-09-2009 02:34 AM)shakur420 Wrote: should I start a new thread for that topic?

go for it

**RebelArmzMack** · 03-11-2010, 01:34 AM

i like way your answer was solved very informative of them