so·cial·ism (s  sh -l z m)n. 1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy. 2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved. |
socialism [ˈsəʊʃəˌlɪzəm]
n
1. (Economics) an economic theory or system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the community collectively, usually through the state. It is characterized by production for use rather than profit, by equality of individual wealth, by the absence of competitive economic activity, and, usually, by government determination of investment, prices, and production levels Compare capitalism
2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) any of various social or political theories or movements in which the common welfare is to be achieved through the establishment of a socialist economic system
3. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in Leninist theory) a transitional stage after the proletarian revolution in the development of a society from capitalism to communism: characterized by the distribution of income according to work rather than need
socialism
1. a theory or system of social organization advocating placing the ownership and control of capital, land, and means of production in the community as a whole. Cf. utopian socialism.
2. the procedures and practices based upon this theory.
3. Marxist theory. the first stage in the transition from capitalism to communism, marked by imperfect realizations of collectivist principles. — socialist, n., adj. — socialistic, adj.
See also: Politics2. the procedures and practices based upon this theory.
3. Marxist theory. the first stage in the transition from capitalism to communism, marked by imperfect realizations of collectivist principles. — socialist, n., adj. — socialistic, adj.
a theory of government based upon the ownership and control of capital, land, and means of production by the community as a whole.
See also: Government
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  socialism - a political theory advocating state ownership of industryideology, political orientation, political theory - an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation Fabianism - socialism to be established by gradual reforms within the law guild socialism - a form of socialist theory advocating state ownership of industry but managements by guilds of workers utopian socialism - socialism achieved by voluntary sacrifice |
| 2. | socialism - an economic system based on state ownership of capital communism - a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership International - any of several international socialist organizations national socialism, Naziism, Nazism - a form of socialism featuring racism and expansionism and obedience to a strong leader managed economy - a non-market economy in which government intervention is important in allocating goods and resources and determining prices capitalism, capitalist economy - an economic system based on private ownership of capital |
socialism
noun Marxism, communism, leftism, social democracy, Leninism, progressivism, syndicalism, labourism, Trotskyism, Fabianism the steady rise of socialism in this country
Quotations
"If Socialism can only be realized when the intellectual development of all the people permits it, then we shall not see Socialism for at least five hundred years" [Vladimir Ilyich Lenin speech at Peasants' Congress]
"The worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents" [George Orwell]
"The language of priorities is the religion of Socialism" [Aneurin Bevan]
"To the ordinary working man, the sort you would meet in any pub on Saturday night, Socialism does not mean much more than better wages and shorter hours and nobody bossing you about" [George Orwell The Road to Wigan Pier]
"Idleness, selfishness, fecklessness, envy and irresponsibility are the vices upon which socialism in any form flourishes and which it in turn encourages. But socialism's devilishly clever tactic is to play up to all those human failings, while making those who practise them feel good about it" [Margaret Thatcher Nicholas Ridley Memorial Lecture]
"Socialism can only arrive by bicycle" [José Antonio Viera Gallo]
"If Socialism can only be realized when the intellectual development of all the people permits it, then we shall not see Socialism for at least five hundred years" [Vladimir Ilyich Lenin speech at Peasants' Congress]
"The worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents" [George Orwell]
"The language of priorities is the religion of Socialism" [Aneurin Bevan]
"To the ordinary working man, the sort you would meet in any pub on Saturday night, Socialism does not mean much more than better wages and shorter hours and nobody bossing you about" [George Orwell The Road to Wigan Pier]
"Idleness, selfishness, fecklessness, envy and irresponsibility are the vices upon which socialism in any form flourishes and which it in turn encourages. But socialism's devilishly clever tactic is to play up to all those human failings, while making those who practise them feel good about it" [Margaret Thatcher Nicholas Ridley Memorial Lecture]
"Socialism can only arrive by bicycle" [José Antonio Viera Gallo]
Translations
socialism
n → Sozialismus m
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