Fascism vs Socialism
Fascism and Socialism are two schools of thought that show some difference between them when it comes to their principles and concepts. Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic political ideology. On the other hand, socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are either owned by the state or owned commonly but cooperatively controlled. This is the main difference between the two terms. The difference that arises at the core idea of fascism and socialism makes them two whole different ideologies. However, if you put that fact aside, you will see that both fascism and socialism are ideologies where strict rules are applied to the members of the society.
What is Fascism?
Fascism is a government led by a dictator who controls every aspect of the society putting the wealthy minority on top. Fascism supports totalitarian single-party state. Fascism is for establishing physical education, indoctrination, and family policy as the various means of mobilization of a nation. It is interesting to note that fascism was founded by Italian national syndicalists during World War I. though fascism does not believe that a class conflict can bring about a change, it believes that a class conflict can harm the integrity of the country. So, they took steps to prevent class conflicts by becoming mediums between classes.
As a matter of fact, fascism supports the use of paramilitary groups or organization to fight the opponents. Fascism is described as anti-communist, anti-democratic, anti-parliamentary, anti-liberal, anti-individualist, and anti-conservative too. It does not support materialism and hierarchy. It is important to know that fascism opposes liberalism to a great extent.
It is interesting to note that the word fascism is derived from the Latin ‘fasces.’ It is a symbol of the authority of the civic magistrate in Rome. In fact, this symbol suggested strength through unity. Thus, fascism aims at strength through unity. Moreover, fascism was discussed at length in the past by historians, political scientists, and other scholars.
Flag of Italian Fascism
What is Socialism?
Socialism is an economic system wherein all the means of production are owned by the public. As the means of production are owned by the public, there is no social division where one class earns a lot while another class suffers with no money. So, socialism believes in production for use. Hence, socialism recommends direct allocation of economic inputs to reach economic goals and human needs. According to critics, the word socialism finds its root in the Latin sociare, which means to combine or to share.
Socialism bases its belief on the class conflict. It is the class conflict that is going to change the society. According to socialism, the general public put a stop to the class conflict by overthrowing the minority who has the power to the means of production. Once that is done, and the means of production becomes the property of everyone, there is no longer a class conflict. The government certainly does not have to act as mediums between classes as there are no classes anymore.
What is the difference between Fascism and Socialism?
• Definitions of Fascism and Socialism:
• Fascism is a government led by a dictator who controls every aspect of the society putting the wealthy minority on top.
• Socialism is a government made for people which takes its actions according to the general public.
• Type of Ideology:
• Fascism is an authoritarian, nationalistic political ideology.
• Socialism is a political ideology where state or public ownership of means of production can be seen.
• Ownership of the Means of Production:
• In fascism, means of production were owned by the minority of the society which was the wealthy few.
• In socialism, means of production were owned by the public or the government.
• Class Conflict:
• Fascism denies that class conflict can bring about a social change.
• Socialism bases its belief on the class conflict. According to socialism, it is the class conflict that is going to change the society.
• Belief in God:
• Fascists believed in God very much.
• Socialists were atheists. Socialists did not believe in God.
• Relationship:
• Fascism is the opposite of Socialism.
• Number of Political Parties:
• Both fascism and socialism had one party political systems.
These are the important differences between fascism and socialism.
Images Courtesy:
- Flag of Italian Fascism via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- Socialism via Pixabay (Public Domain)
