Among the foundations and principles of socialism 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 modern socialism was born at the beginning of the 19th century in England and France, although that term had already been used previously to define some philosophies.
There are various branches of socialism, from the utopian, to the scientific Marx and Engels, its best known authors. They differ in small details of social and economic organization and in the way to achieve power.
As for their doctrinal derivations, communism and anarchism, if more differences are found. In any case, the communists recognize socialism as the first step towards communist society.
5 Foundations and principles of socialism
one-
The first principle on which socialism is based is to end private ownership of the means of production.
In this way, 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 both owners and managers.
two-
Intimately related to the previous one, this foundation of socialist ideology pretends that there are no businessmen or great oligarchs that only look out for their own interests.
It is intended that exploitation disappears, obtaining the workers the full profits of what is produced by their activity.
3-
By eliminating the economic upper classes, there would no longer be differences between them and the rest of society. In this way, those who profit from the work of others would cease to exist.
This should lead to a better distribution of wealth. Compared to what many think, it is not that all workers earn the same, but the differences are much smaller.
The phrase of the first socialist theorists "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs", perfectly sums up this principle of socialism.
4-
Within socialism, special emphasis is placed on the idea of society, leaving something aside on the individual. It is intended that each economic action results in the common benefit and not in the individual gains of each.
It is intended in this way, to end the selfishness of capitalism, based on achieving maximum profits.
As an example of this idea you can put the public health services of some countries, even if they are not socialist.
All the inhabitants pay taxes to cover it, whether they use it or not. It is about putting the health of the whole of society above that only those who have money can afford it.
5-
While capitalism sets the benchmark in the market, which theoretically should 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 convenient for society as a whole at any given time, to limiting the prices paid for some basic elements.
Within these, an example of state regulations in areas such as housing, education or electricity can be put.
References
- Socialist International. Declaration of Principles. Obtained from internacionalsocialista.org
- Philosophy.net. What is Socialism? Obtained from Philosophy.net
- The Socialist Party of Great Britain. The Basic Principles of Socialism. Retrieved from worldsocialism.org
- The Home of American Intellectual Conservatism. Socialism. Retrieved from firstprinciplesjournal.com
- The Project. Statement of Aims and Principles. Retrieved from socialistproject.org