Communism has existed since Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote their famous book, The Communist Manifesto.
In today’s modern society, however, everyone wants to live under some government.
But what exactly is communism, what are its pros and cons, and why should anyone care?
Communism can be efficient for running an economy when there are enough jobs. When people have jobs, they spend money on goods and services.
This spending creates more demand for products, increasing workers’ needs. However, when there are no jobs, people may resort to crime or violence to get money.
Communism was initially developed in Russia during the 19th century. The intention was to replace capitalism and give power back to the working class. Today, communism is often associated with dictatorships.
Although communism sounds great at first, it has a few flaws. It would mean no private property, free markets, or freedom of speech.
If you want to read more about the pros and cons of communism, check out our article on the topic.
What is Communism?
Communism is a political and economic philosophy that advocates for a classless society.
In communism, individuals are free to pursue happiness without interference from the government.
It seeks to remove money, religion, and private ownership of property.
While there are many forms of communism, most communists believe that the state should control the means of production and distribution of goods.
“communist” derives from the Latin word communis, meaning commonwealth.
This refers to the shared ownership of resources and the abolition of private property.
Communists believe that the state should control the economy and distribute goods according to need rather than profit.
They advocate for workers’ rights, gender equality, racial justice, environmental protection, and freedom of speech.
We have only discussed a few on communism to give you a little insight. Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of communism.
Pros of Communism
1. Equal Opportunity
One of communism’s best benefits is its equal opportunity policy. Everyone is treated equally regardless of race, sex, age, or social status.
All citizens receive the same education, healthcare, and housing. There is also no discrimination based on sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
2. Equality
Another benefit of communism is its equality. People who work hard earn the same as those who don’t, and no one is rich or poor because of how much effort they put into their jobs.
3. Peaceful Transition
Another pro of communism is that it doesn’t need a violent revolution. Instead, it requires gradual change. Workers take over factories and businesses, gradually replacing capitalist owners.
4. Economic Growth
When there are no private companies, communist countries grow faster than capitalist ones. New businesses can start quickly because there are fewer barriers to entry.
5. Efficiency
When there are no private companies to compete against, communist governments can run things efficiently. Since everyone works together, there are fewer problems like theft and fraud.
6. Safety
Because no private companies compete against each other, communist countries are safer than capitalist ones.
7. Freedom
Communism promotes freedom. The government does not interfere with people’s lives unless they harm others.
8. Individual Liberty
Individual liberty is another pro of communism. You won’t be forced to do anything you don’t want to do. You’ll have the right to speak your mind and practice any religion you choose.
9. Increase in Food Supply
Since the government distributes all food, more food is available. Also, since no private companies compete with each other, farmers produce more food.
10. Less Corruption
Corruption is less likely when there are no private companies. When there are no incentives to cheat, corruption decreases.
Cons of Communism
1. Government Control
The biggest con of communism is that it gives too much power to the government. Communist leaders often use this power to oppress their people.
2. Unequal Distribution
Another con of communism is that some people get more stuff than others. For example, if I worked hard, but you didn’t, I would get a better house and car than you.
3. Poverty
Poverty is yet another problem of communism. If we compare capitalist countries to communist countries, we find that the latter has higher poverty rates. This is because capitalism creates inequality between the wealthy and the poor.
4. Inefficiency
Inefficiency is yet another problem of capitalism. It leads to wastefulness and corruption.
5. Corruption
Corruption is a problem in every country, but it is hazardous when it is present in a communist society. It puts the general public at risk.
6. Unfair Competition
Unfair competition is also a big problem in a communist society. Companies may collude to keep prices high and stop producing quality products. Thus, consumers lose out.
7. No Free Enterprise
Yet another con of communism is that there is no free enterprise. The state does all business activity; therefore, there is little innovation or creativity.
Conclusion
Communism is another political system where equality is valued above everything else.
Yet, you should not only judge on its merits. Instead, it would help if you judged by how well it helps people live happy and fulfilling lives.
