Fascism vs Socialism
Fascism and Socialism are two distinct schools of thought, with differing principles and concepts. Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic political ideology, while socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are either owned by the state or commonly owned and cooperatively controlled. The core differences between these ideologies make them distinct. However, both fascism and socialism involve strict rules applied to members of society.
What is Fascism?
Fascism is a government led by a dictator who controls every aspect of society, putting the wealthy minority on top. Fascism supports a totalitarian single-party state and establishes physical education, indoctrination, and family policy as various means of mobilizing a nation. Founded by Italian national syndicalists during World War I, fascism does not believe that class conflict can bring about change but believes it can harm the country’s integrity. Fascism supports the use of paramilitary groups or organizations to fight opponents and is described as anti-communist, anti-democratic, anti-parliamentary, anti-liberal, anti-individualist, and anti-conservative. It opposes materialism, hierarchy, and liberalism.
Derived from the Latin ‘fasces,’ the word fascism is a symbol of the authority of the civic magistrate in Rome, suggesting strength through unity. Fascism has been extensively discussed by historians, political scientists, and other scholars.
What is Socialism?
Socialism is an economic system in which all means of production are owned by the public, preventing social division where one class earns a lot while another suffers financially. Believing in production for use, socialism recommends the direct allocation of economic inputs to reach economic goals and fulfill human needs. Based on class conflict, socialism holds that society will change when the general public overthrows the minority who control the means of production. Once this occurs, class conflict will no longer exist, and the government will not have to act as a mediator between classes, as there will be no classes.
Key Takeaways
- Fascism is a government led by a dictator, controlling every aspect of society and supporting the wealthy minority, while socialism is a government made for the people, taking actions according to the general public.
- In fascism, the means of production are owned by the minority of society (the wealthy few), while in socialism, they are owned by the public or government.
- Fascism denies that class conflict can bring about social change, while socialism is based on the belief that class conflict will change society.
