Socialism: Core Ideas

Historical Background

Socialism came into prominence during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century as a reaction against the economic inequality caused by capitalism.
The proponents of socialism sought to establish a society where wealth and power were distributed evenly among the population.
Socialism became an influential ideology throughout the 20th century, with many variations and interpretations influencing different political movements worldwide.

Key Thinkers

Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) are considered the key founders of socialism. Their works such as the ‘Communist Manifesto’ became the foundation for socialist and communist ideology.
Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919) was another influential socialist thinker. She stressed the importance of democracy and of revolution in achieving socialism.
Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937) introduced the concept of cultural hegemony and emphasised the importance of intellectual and cultural change in addition to economic factors.

Core Principles

Economic equality is a fundamental principle of socialism. It promotes the fair distribution of wealth and resources among society.
Socialism advocates for common ownership of means of production, as opposed to private ownership, to prevent exploitation and create a more equitable society.
Socialism values social justice and seeks to abolish forms of social inequality and discrimination such as class, race, and gender discrimination.
Socialists believe in cooperation and community: they argue that the individual can flourish best in a society where everyone works together for the common good.
Democratic control is another important value in socialism: it holds that decision-making power should lie with the people and their communities, rather than a select elite.

Remember: Socialism is, fundamentally, about economic, political, and social equality. It promotes a cooperatively run society, common ownership, and democratic decision-making. Variations of this ideology range from democratic socialism that emphasises democracy and peaceful reform, to revolutionary socialism that advocates for an overthrow of the capitalist system.