Social Democrats' Socialism

Social Democrats’ Socialism- democratic welfare state with elements of socialism and communism; mix of private and public enterprises make up the economy, modified capitalism, strong government-funded social programs, regulation of private industry by the government

Social Democrats work to create “a classless cooperative commonwealth in every nation.” The underlying idea is the abolition of the capitalist system, including private property. These two systems within an economy create a hierarchy of power and wealth. This power and wealth are used to oppress those lower in the society. Social Democrats take a realistic stance to solve these social and economic problems.

One main idea that helped me to better understand SDS is that Social Democrats are in favor of having a market economy not a market society. The idea is to have an economy based on an efficient production and fair trade, versus the common society that is based on free trade, inefficient production and power that is obtained through the exploitation of the workers. Thus, to have a market that is based on the market, not the society in which it runs. A market society has a triangle hierarchy, that, when toppled, tend to hurt those nearer to the bottom most.

One of the many positive aspects of SDS is the regulation of private enterprises by the government. The government regulates in the interests of the workers, an idea similar to that of Fascism. With the governments help, SDS works to create a market economy, not a market society. A market economy, in contrast to a market society, can “succeed in lifting the majority in developing democracies” to a higher standard of living. This idea is also common is Fascism-the collective good/success over that of the individual, the creation of a strong collective group through work. (The ethos of a collective group, in Fascism, is much different than that of Social Democrats)

SDS takes ideas from the international declaration of human rights-ideas and political action with emphasis on healthcare and welfare, affordable education for all under the belief that these are not gifts to be awarded to those who deserve them, but that they are basic human rights. They work for greater environmental protection. The government body regulates private business as well as working towards fair market competition, rather than free market competition. Many of the social programs that are common with Social Democrats also occur under Fascism. Unlike SDS, under Fascism many or all human rights are given up/taken away in order for the dictatorial power to have complete control.

In contrast to SDS, Fascism focuses much of its energy on war, violence and the creation of a single community, one without immigrants or people of other ethnic origins. Another stark contrast within Fascism is the complete absence of democracy, which is replaced by a dictator and strong oppression of dissent. SDS gives more power to the government, including the state level, which should give the citizens a greater voice into politics and government. (in theory) Though SDS is different than Fascism, the Socialist government regulation of private and public industry does give the government the ability to maintain control over the working population, as well as the economy. It does not, however, have the same over-arching repression of Fascism.

While the ideas of SDS are (slightly) radical is some areas, there are counties who function under SDS, as well as government parties who take part of this political ideology and integrate it into their own. (Germany, Austria- applied to economy)

Emma