Communism

What Is Communism?

Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole, rather than by private individuals or corporations. As an economic system, communism seeks to eliminate private property and replace it with collective ownership, intending to address issues of economic inequality and exploitation. This ideology positions the collective good above individual profit.

History and Origin

The theoretical foundations of modern communism were primarily laid out by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their 1848 pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto.¹¹, ¹², ¹³, ¹⁴, ¹⁵ In this seminal work, they argued that human history is a chronicle of class struggle, with society divided between the oppressive bourgeoisie (the capitalist class who own the means of production) and the exploited proletariat (the working class). Marx and Engels envisioned communism as the ultimate stage of societal development, arising from a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism. They believed that such a revolution would lead to a transitional period of socialism, eventually culminating in a fully communist society where the state would wither away, and resources would be distributed based on need. This historical analysis deeply influenced subsequent political economy movements globally.

Key Takeaways

• Communism is an economic and political ideology advocating for a classless society with common ownership of the means of production.
• It seeks to eliminate private property and centralized control of resources.
• The ideology was primarily theorized by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
• Historically, attempts to implement communism have often involved strong central planning and state control.
• A core aim of communism is to eliminate economic inequality and exploitation.

Interpreting Communism

In theory, communism aims for a society where collective ownership of resources and means of production leads to equitable distribution and the absence of social classes. It envisions a system without a state or government, as decisions would be made collectively in the interest of all. However, in practice, attempts to implement communism have often resulted in highly centralized states that control economic activity and resource allocation. This has led to debates about the role of the state in achieving the purported goals of communism and its impact on individual liberties and economic growth. Understanding communism requires examining both its foundational theories and its varied historical implementations within different political economy contexts.

Hypothetical Example

Consider a hypothetical society, "Communia," where the principles of communism are fully realized. In Communia, all farms, factories, and natural resources are collectively owned by the community. There is no individual land ownership or private businesses. Decisions regarding what to produce, how much, and for whom are made through democratic community councils, ensuring that the output aligns with societal needs rather than profit motives. For instance, if the community needs more housing, labor and materials are collectively marshaled for home construction, with completed homes then allocated to families based on need. Similarly, food production is planned to ensure sufficient sustenance for everyone, eliminating the concept of food markets or private sales. Every member of Communia contributes labor according to their ability and receives resources based on their needs, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support.

Practical Applications

While pure communism, as envisioned by Marx, has not been fully realized on a large scale, various states have historically operated under systems influenced by communist ideology, often referred to as Marxist-Leninist states or command economies. These systems typically involve extensive state ownership of industries, central economic planning, and limits on private property.

For instance, prior to economic reforms that began in 1979, China maintained a centrally controlled and largely isolated economy based on communist principles.⁹, ¹⁰ Since then, China has gradually adopted market-oriented reforms, leading to significant economic growth and integration into the global economy, while retaining a one-party communist political system.⁶, ⁷, ⁸ Other nations, such as the former Soviet Union and its satellite states, also implemented systems where the state controlled virtually all aspects of the economy, including investment and resource allocation, aiming to provide public goods and eliminate private enterprise.

Limitations and Criticisms

Communism faces significant criticisms regarding its practical implementation and theoretical drawbacks. A primary critique centers on the absence of individual incentives in a system where private ownership and profit motives are eliminated, which some argue can stifle innovation and productivity. Central planning, a common feature of states attempting to implement communist ideals, has often been criticized for its inefficiency in resource allocation and inability to respond effectively to consumer demands or market changes.

Historically, command economies associated with communism have struggled with shortages of consumer goods, limited economic freedom, and a lack of diversity in products and services. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the economic reforms in China, are often cited as examples of the economic challenges faced by strictly centrally planned, communist systems.², ³, ⁴, ⁵ Critics also highlight concerns about political freedoms, as many states attempting to establish communism have developed authoritarian regimes that suppress dissent and individual rights in the name of collective goals. The philosophical debate around private property and its role in human flourishing is central to these criticisms.¹

Communism vs. Socialism

While often used interchangeably or confused, communism and socialism represent distinct political and economic ideologies. Both advocate for greater collective control over economic resources and aim to reduce economic inequality compared to pure capitalism.

The key difference lies in the extent of government control and the role of private property. Communism historically implies a revolutionary overthrow and complete abolition of private property, leading to a classless, stateless society. Socialism, on the other hand, typically involves a more gradual transition, often through democratic means, and permits some degree of private ownership and market mechanisms while emphasizing social welfare and collective well-being.

FAQs

What is the main goal of communism?

The primary goal of communism is to create a classless society where there is no private ownership of the means of production, and resources are distributed based on need rather than wealth or individual contribution. It aims to eliminate economic inequality and exploitation.

Is communism the same as a command economy?

While states that have attempted to implement communist ideals often adopt a central planning or command economy, communism itself is a broader ideological concept. A command economy is a system where the government makes all economic decisions, which is a characteristic of many historical communist states, but not necessarily inherent to the theoretical stateless, classless society of pure communism.

What is the difference between communism and capitalism?

The fundamental difference lies in ownership and resource allocation. Capitalism is characterized by private ownership of the means of production and a market economy driven by supply and demand, where individuals and corporations seek profit. Communism, conversely, advocates for collective ownership and a planned economy, prioritizing collective needs over individual profit.