Socialism and fascism are two different forms of government. Each form of government follows different regulations, beliefs and ideas about various aspects. There are some similarities between them, but at the same time, they differ from each other in broad aspects.
Key Takeaways
- Socialism is a political and economic system that advocates for collective ownership of the means of production. At the same time, fascism is a far-right authoritarian ideology emphasizing national unity and individual subordination to the state.
- Socialism seeks to redistribute wealth and resources to create a more equitable society, while fascism seeks to preserve the social and economic hierarchy.
- Socialism prioritizes social welfare, while fascism prioritizes national interests and militarism.
Socialism vs Fascism
Socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are owned and managed by the state or the entire society to create greater equality and social welfare. Fascism, on the other hand, is a political ideology that is distinguished by excessive nationalism, authoritarianism, and the repression of individual liberties.
Socialism can be described as one of the forms of government. This form of government believes that various properties, some of the productions of natural resources, etc., should be owned and controlled by the state. The people who follow socialism are called socialists.
The socialists believe giving such controls over properties, investments, ad productions to the state will ensure equality among people. However, this idea includes various factors that should be considered.
We can describe fascism as a form of government which signifies that the whole country’s power should be in the hand of only one ruler. It was first started in Italy in the early 20th century and took a massive turn in Europe by the end of world war II to strengthen the german nazis by Adolf Hitler.
Fascism does not tolerate the opposition and focuses on spreading the “superior ideology” everywhere.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Socialism | Fascism |
|---|---|---|
| Type of government | Believes in giving the county’s powers to the state. | Believes in giving the county’s powers to just one ruler. |
| Focus | Social equality | Strengthening the nation |
| Citizen Rights | Provides all the rights. | Do not provide freedom of speech and assembly. |
| Origin | A different historical event. | Italy in the early 20th century. |
| Today’s world | More spread in today’s world. | Less than socialism. |
What is Socialism?
Socialism can be described as the form of government that believes that the state should own and control various properties, some of the productions of natural resources, the economy, etc.
It follows multiple regulations and has specific ideas and beliefs. The people who work in this type of government are called socialists. So basically, they oppose capitalism, which refers to private ownership.
The socialists believe that giving control over properties, investments, ad productions to specific individuals will lead towards the misuse of wealth and power.
They think these individuals are the more prosperous part of the society and hence make their own decisions, such as choosing property. And this does not leave many options to the more inferior part of the community.
So the socialist believes that giving these controls to the state will ensure equality. However, these decisions require a lot of in-depth discussions and debates.
Socialists go through various arguments with each other for making such decisions—some topics among them the conclusion of the things that the government should control.
Some believe it should control everything other than personal items, whereas others believe that private and small businesses should be given independence too.
Another concern is how society should practice these controls in various areas. Every person has their ideas for such matters.
What is Fascism?
Fascism is the form of government which signifies that the whole country’s power should be in the hands of only one ruler. This form of government was initiated in Italy in the early 20th century.
One of its examples is led by Adolf Hitler, who followed this form of government in Europe during the end of the second world war to strengthen the german nazis.
Fascism is based on three different philosophies, i.e. everything in the state, nothing outside the state and nothing against the state. This government tends to keep the nation before the needs of any individual.
Fascism does not tolerate opposition, making the country’s public follow strict rules and regulations. The citizens in these countries do not have certain rights that the citizens of other countries without fascism possess.
Fascism focuses on spreading the “superior ideology” everywhere. They ensure strong government influence on industrial sectors, the economy, the production sector, etc. They do not give their citizens the freedom of speech or assembly. No one here can go against the government.
Difference Between Socialism and Fascism
- Socialism is a form of government which believes that the state should control the power and wealth of the country. In comparison, fascism is the form of government that says this control should be given to only one ruler.
- Socialism focuses on social equality, whereas fascism focuses on strengthening the nation and spreading the “superior ideology” everywhere.
- Fascism tends to stop the people of their nation in many ways; it does not give them the freedom of speech or assembly. At the same time, socialism doesn’t follow any of these rules.
- Different historical events have led to the formation of this type of government.
- Socialism is more spread in today’s world than fascism.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-9248.1977.tb00141.x
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/review-of-politics/article/african-socialism-socialism-and-fascism-an-appraisal/D1C8980900B66F956B164F5EA5BA8E62
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