Difference Between Socialism and Democratic Socialism

brianlux
brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
in A Moving Train
Because there seems to be a widespread misunderstanding between the terms "socialism" and "democratic socialism" and becasue so many forums, including this one are rife with statements that demonstrate that misunderstanding, I thought it might be useful to attempt to find some good definitions that illustrate the difference between those terms. And yes, my "hidden agenda" is the hope that by reading this thread, some good folks here will discontinue referring to Bernie Sanders merely as a "socialist" rather than a "democratic socialist". I'm assuming, of course, everyone understands he is not a communist.

Here's the best definitions I've come up with:

http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/politics/difference-between-socialism-and-democratic-socialism/

1. Socialism can be defined as a system of collective ownership and management of the means of production and the distribution of goods. Democratic socialism gives more importance to a democratic character.

2. Socialism can also be stated to be a society where all people work as equals cooperating for the common good of all.

3. While having almost the same principles as that of socialism, democratic socialism believes in a socialism through the ballot box. It states that any change in government and society should be through fair elections.

4. Socialism was a term that originated in the late 18th century and early 19th century as a result of the economic and social changes linked with the Industrial revolution.

5. Democratic socialism became prominent in the late 19th century.

more here:
http://www.dsausa.org/what_is_democratic_socialism


Others?
"It's a sad and beautiful world"
-Roberto Benigni

Comments

  • eddiec
    eddiec Posts: 3,959
    edited January 2016
    Whatever you commie!
    Just kidding Brian. Yeah, it's very tiresome the way many conservatives label Sanders as a socialist and that becomes their whole argument against him. That word drives fear into so many Americans. 75 years of brainwashing is going to be very hard to undo.
    Post edited by eddiec on
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    eddiec said:

    Whatever you commie!
    Just kidding Brian. Yeah, it's very tiresome the way many conservatives label Sanders as a socialist and that becomes their whole argument against him. That word drives fear into so many Americans. 75 years of brainwashing is going to be very hard to undue.

    Haha! Just call me "PinkoLuxe".

    Yeah, exactly- this misconceptions are enormous. And ironic! What Sanders wants to do is make life better for the average person. You'd think all these people who hate Bernie are all billionaires who are freaked out about losing a bit of their massive stash.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Go Beavers
    Go Beavers Posts: 9,561
    And two of Sanders' big proposals are essentially expanding what we already have in place: Medicare and public education. If someone thinks that Socialism, well then I guess we've been Socialists for quite a while.
  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,122
    Go Beavers said:

    And two of Sanders' big proposals are essentially expanding what we already have in place: Medicare and public education. If someone thinks that Socialism, well then I guess we've been Socialists for quite a while.

    according to fox news medicare is going to be out of money next month.

    also, who needs public funding for education when we can get these neato vouchers for private school??


    i kid.
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • CM189191
    CM189191 Posts: 6,927

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