In this article on socialism vs. fascism, you will come across the difference between the two terms and how they have been perceived by different countries.
Socialism is the doctrine that man has no right to exist for his own sake, that his life and his work do not belong to him, but belong to society, that the only justification of his existence is his service to society, and that society may dispose of him in any way it pleases for the sake of whatever it deems to be its own tribal, collective good. ― Ayn Rand
Fascism is capitalism in decay. ― Vladimir Lenin
There are certain differences as well as some similarities between both these terms. One cannot be judgmental about which is good and which is not, as every individual has his own perspective. Both have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. In the paragraphs to follow, you will understand the points regarding the socialism vs. fascism dispute.
Definition
Socialism is defined as a set of various theories or systems of the ownership and operation of the means of production and distribution by society or community rather than by private individuals, with all members of society sharing in the work and products. It means that everyone works for the greater good.
Fascism is described as a system of government characterized by rigid one party dictatorship, a forcible suppression of opposition, all private economic enterprises should be under government control, aggressive nationalism, racism and militarism.
Factors of Differentiation
Fascism
- It is an extremist ideology. It believes in a super patriotic and dictatorial single party state. People who believe in this are known as fascists.
- Fascists believe in a concept that states a nation or people can only prosper if they are constantly fighting with other nations or its own people. The weak are killed and the strong live ahead.
- Their governments are dictatorial. There is no right for free speech and opposition against the government is a strict no no.
- Nowadays, people have made this term an adjective, which they used to label governments which they don’t like to see.
- Some of the popular fascist countries have been Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler, Italy under Benito Mussolini, Spain under Fransisco, Franco, Argentina under Peron, Chile under Pinochet, and Japan under Tojo.
Socialism
- It is not an ideology. It advocates theories of an economical and liberal society, where public workers directly own their properties and factories. A socialist society is a free society which gives equal access to resources through the method of equality and brotherhood.
- It sounds nice, but a large number of people feel it’s impractical. Human nature abolishes its practical implementation every time it gets a chance. People have strongly objected this theory.
- Rational people often call it impractical, and one of its main objectives is to solve the inequalities between people.
- Some popular socialist countries are the USSR, Communist China, Sweden, England, Cuba, and North Korea. It is also followed in some countries of Africa, as well as some in South East Asia. Venezuela has also become a socialist country.
Socialism vs. fascism, these two political ideas differ from each other greatly. The best way to describe them is that they are two opposite sides of the same power coin – one is on the left side and other is on the right side. This topic can be a matter of debate. In today’s world, a mixture of both can be used and applied to see a successful and stable economy.
