socialism
/'souʃəlizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An economic system based on state or public ownership of capital and the means of production: Socialism is an economic theory and system where the community or state, rather than private individuals, owns and controls major industries, resources, and the means of producing goods and services.
- A political theory or movement advocating for such a system: Socialism is also a political ideology that seeks to replace private property and a profit-based economy with public ownership and cooperative management to achieve greater social equality.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The party's platform is rooted in democratic socialism. (The party's fundamental principles are based on the political theory of socialism implemented through democratic processes.)
- Many early 20th-century movements advocated for socialism as an alternative to capitalism. (Many movements from that period supported the economic system of socialism instead of capitalism.)
Advanced Usage
- "Utopian socialism": Refers to early forms of socialist thought that envisioned ideal, perfect societies based on cooperation, often without a detailed plan for practical achievement.
- The writings of Robert Owen are considered a key part of Utopian socialism.
- "Scientific socialism": A term, often associated with Marxist theory, that presents socialism as the inevitable result of historical and economic laws, rather than merely an ideal.
- Marx and Engels contrasted their ideas of scientific socialism with earlier Utopian theories.
Variants and Related Words
- Socialist (noun/adjective): A person who supports or advocates for socialism. Also used as an adjective to describe things relating to socialism.
- She is a committed socialist. (Noun)
- The country adopted socialist policies. (Adjective)
- Socialize (verb): To organize according to the principles of socialism; to bring under public ownership or control. (Note: This verb has a separate, more common meaning related to interpersonal interaction).
- The government moved to socialize the healthcare industry.
Synonyms
- Collectivism: A political or economic theory advocating collective control, especially over production and distribution.
- Public ownership: A system where assets or industries are owned and operated by the government or the public.
Related Phrases
- To advocate for socialism: To publicly support or recommend the adoption of socialist principles.
- The philosopher spent his life advocating for socialism.
- The transition to socialism: The process of changing from a capitalist or other economic system to a socialist one.
- Their political program focuses on the democratic transition to socialism.
Related Idioms
- "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs": A slogan popularized by Karl Marx, summarizing a principle often associated with a communist or advanced socialist society regarding labor and distribution.
- The commune attempted to live by the principle, "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."
Noun
- an economic system based on state ownership of capital
- a political theory advocating state ownership of industry