Question

Political Thought

For this discussion, please identify and discuss two of the major differences between Marxism and Capitalism. In your discussion, provide specific examples of how each are implemented or used today (cite your sources as necessary).

Answer 1

• Capitalism is a system on a number of interlinking features - private (including state) ownership of the means of wealth production, the great majority working for wages or salaries, generalised commodity production (production for sale), the profit motive. the competitive accumulation of capital out of profit and so on. Capitalism takes a variety of forms - from so called free market capitalism right through to the state administered capitalism of the old Soviet Union.
• Marxists advocate socialism or communism (these meant the same thing originally) instead. This is a non-market, stateless, wageless, moneyless society in which people freely take according to their self determined and voluntarily contribute cooperate to produce the wealth we all need. Needless to say there is a huge difference between this and capitalism.
• In Capitalism, the government will not interfere with any sector. The government only collects its tax, and adjusts for government spendig for roads and public sector. That means the government cannot tell you what to produce or exchange. The economy is 100% private, and there is not any government activities in economy unless it is trying to break a monopoly.
• In marxism or communism, the government takes control of every sector. The government possess the right to tell you whether to consume candy or pizza. It also can tell people what to produce. There is not any private sector in this idea, and the economy is 100% public.
• Capitalism is in favor of class distinction, i.e. working class and capitalist class, hence the degree of class distinction between rich and poor is very high. On the contrary, communism opposes a division of society according to class, as it promotes classless society, so, there is no gap between rich and poor.
• While capitalism can be found in western countries, socialism is more popular in eastern countries of the world.
• Examples of capitalism:-Amazon sold 87% of all Christmas shopping purchases made in America during the 2017 holiday shopping season. As a result, most of America’s top tier retailers are shutting stores. Now, Amazon is aiming to take over the grocery business.
• Marxism:-Many of the tangible examples that one might experience today pass by in such a way that we do not readily identify them as marxist;universal health care,free education,subsidies on housing and other utilities,public roads and highways etc.