Communism and Socialism

Communism and Socialism
Communism and Socialism are two economic philosophies that are focused on the treatment and equality of all members of a society. Often, these terms are used interchangeably, as Communism stems from socialist ideals. They both believe in conquering capitalistic oppression and in collective control of economic issues. However, there are very important differences between them. The difference lies in how to fight the oppression and in how much control is necessary to realize the goal.
Communism and Socialism both believe that Capitalism oppresses the common people and results in a monopoly of property, wealth and privilege. Both philosophies believe a new collective focus on society should replace the selfish drive of Capitalism. However, Socialists see change coming through a gradual adjustment brought on by social change. Communists believe that the people should rise up against the oppressors and demand a total renovation of the economic and political systems that are holding down the people. They maintain that Socialism is merely the first step in moving from a capitalistic to communistic society. Once the socialistic changes take hold and the common people are strengthened, they will realize total equality necessitates more control.
The level of control for each of these philosophies varies. Socialism, being more economically driven, believes in government, or collective, control and administration of all means of production and distribution of goods. Private property that results in monopolies, excessive wealth, and unfair poverty should be abolished. These changes will bring about balance and cooperation. Communism believes it is the government’s responsibility to eradicate the upper class. This can only be accomplished by complete government control of everything. Communism, unlike Socialism, believes there should be no private property at all and no rights to inheritance. They also call for government control of all communication,...