Communism is a revolutionary socialist movement to create a classless, moneyless and stateless social structure upon common ownership of the means of production, as well as a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of this social order.[3] This movement, in its Marxist–Leninist interpretations, significantly influenced the history of the 20th century.
Origin of COMMUNISM
Communism comes from the French communisme, from commun then common. The term first used in 1840
Definition of Communism
British Encyclopedia said that A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
Characteristics
- State plans and controls the economy.
- Higher social order.
- Goods are equally distributed.
According to the dictionary.com communism means “A theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community or to the state”
Characteristics
- State holding all property.
- No private ownership.
From the above definition we can say that A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
Types of Communism:
There are mainly two types of communism Marxist and non Marxist communism.
Marxist Communism:
The features of Marxist communism are given below:
- State hold the property.
- No private property.
- Features of communism.
- Abolition of private property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.
- A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.
- Abolition of the rights of inheritance.
- Confiscation of the property of emigrants and rebels.
- Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.
- Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the State.
- Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State; the bringing into cultivation of wastelands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.
- Equal liability of all labor. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.
- Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and village.
- Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's works in factory as a labor in its present form.
Non Marxist Communism
Anarchist communism: (also known as libertarian communism) is a theory of anarchism which advocates the abolition of the state, private property, and capitalism in favor of common ownership of the means of production, direct democracy and a horizontal network of voluntary associations and workers' councils with production and consumption based on the guiding principle: "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need”.
Christian Communism: Christian communism is a form of religious communism centered on Christianity. It is a theological and political theory based upon the view that the teachings of Jesus Christ urge Christians to support communism as the ideal social system. Christian communism can be seen as a radical form of Christian socialism. Also, because many Christian communists have formed independent stateless communes in the past, there is a link between Christian communism and Christian anarchism.
Advantage of the Communism:
- People are equal: In a communist rule, people are treated equally in the eyes of the government regardless of education, financial standing, etc. Economic boundaries don’t separate people.
- Every citizen can keep a job: In a communist system, people are entitled to jobs. Because the government owns all means of production, the government can provide jobs for at least a majority of the people. Everyone in a communist country is given enough work opportunities to live and survive.
- There is an internally stable economic system: In communism, the governments say economic structure; therefore, economic instability is out of the question. Every citizen is required to work in order to receive benefits, and those who don’t have corresponding sanctions. This creates an incentive to participate and to encourage economic growth.
- Strong social communities are established: In communism, there are certain laws and goals which determine resource and responsibility allocation. If the citizens abide by these laws, this leads to a harmonious spirit of sharing one goal. Consequently, this builds stronger social communities and an even stronger economy.
- Competition doesn't exist: In communist societies, everyone can work harmoniously without stepping on each others toes. Work, responsibility, and rewards are shared equally among the citizens.
- Efficient distribution of resources: In a communist society, the sense of cooperation allows for efficiency in resource distribution. This is very important, especially in times of need and in emergency situations.
Criticism of Communism
Some people have criticized by extension communism, stating that the systems have distorted or absent price signals, slow or stagnant technological advance, reduced incentives, and reduced prosperity, as well as on the grounds of its feasibility and its social and political effects. Part of this criticism extends to the policies adopted by one-party states ruled by communist parties (known as "communist states"). Some scholars are specially focused on their human rights records which are claimed to be responsible for famines, purges and warfare resulting in deaths far in excess of previous empires, capitalist or other regimes.