Authors: Bogdanor
Summary: In approximately 1350 words, this entry describes socialism's conceptual usage, explains its origin as a critique of liberalism, briefly identifies different strands of socialist doctrine, and concludes by mentioning some conceptual consequences arising from socialist parties and governments.
The entry emphasizes the inadequacy of a single definition for socialism. Since the term came into general use during the 1840s, socialism has included many different beliefs and practices. In addition to signifying a major ideology, socialism also refers to particular political regimes, institutions, policies, parties and movements. More narrowly, socialism is an alternate economic system, resting on different values and principles than does capitalism. The work of Karl Marx is theoretically significant on this point because much of his writing focuses on the relationship between unequal property ownership and wage labor in capitalist systems.
Socialism and liberalism have a historically complex relationship. Socialism originated as a critique of liberalism, and different ideas about the relationships between these two ideologies ultimately led to two different strands of socialism. Proponents of the first strand seek reform of the current system through greater equality of opportunity and outcome. Socialism's second strand is more radical and advocates overthrowing the existing system in favor of a new social and moral order. The entry also discusses R. N. Berki's four strands of socialism and other complexities involved in understanding the concept.
The 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Russia was a significant socialist experience. It led to stronger support for democracy and diminishing belief in centralized planning. More recently, however, in developing third world states, socialism takes the form of state ownership and control of industry. The entry concludes with the observation that socialism is still a vital force in the contemporary world.