The term Socialism or Socialist can refer to several related things:

1. An ideology or a group of ideologies.
2. An economic system.
3. A state that exists or has existed.
4. In Marxist theory, the society that would succeed capitalism
5. and in some cases it will develop further into communism.

The word dates back at least to the early nineteenth century. It has been used differently in different times and places, both by various individuals and groups that consider themselves socialist and by their opponents. While there is wide variation between socialist groups, nearly all would agree that they are bound together by a common history rooted originally in nineteenth and twentieth-century struggles by industrial and agricultural workers, operating according to principles of solidarity and advocating an egalitarian society, with an economics that would serve the broad populace rather than a favored few.

Subcategories

Articles in category "Socialism"