Difference Between Marxism and Communism

The difference between marxism and communism is a tightly-knit explanation. Karl Marx’s theories have had a profound impact on the world, but what is the difference between Marxism and Communism? Many people use the terms interchangeably, but in reality, there are important differences between the two ideologies.

From the Russian Revolution to the Chinese Revolution, Marxism and Communism have played a major role in shaping the world’s political and economic systems.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key distinctions between Marxism and Communism, and why understanding the difference is crucial to understanding the history and future of political thought.

What Is Marxism?

Karl Marx’s Marxism is a theoretical framework for understanding the social and economic phenomena of society. It is based on the idea that society is divided into classes, with the ruling class (the bourgeoisie) exploiting the working and social classes (the proletariat) for their labour.

Marxism argues that this exploitation leads to the alienation of the working class and that a revolution is necessary to overthrow the ruling class and establish a socialist society.

In Marxist economic theory, the economic system is the foundation of society, and the relations of production (i.e. how goods and services are produced and distributed) determine the character of the entire society.

Marxism proposes that the capitalist system of private ownership and competition leads to unequal distribution of wealth and power, as the ruling class uses its control over the means of production (factories, land, etc.) to exploit the working class.

Marxism also posits that a state is a tool of the ruling class, used to maintain its power and suppress the working class. In a socialist society, the state would be abolished and replaced with a system of common ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

According to Marxism, this would lead to the elimination of class distinctions and the creation of a utopian society.

What Are The Key Features Of Marxism?

1. Materialistic interpretation: Marxism posits that the economic base of society (i.e. the means of production and the relations of production) shapes the superstructure (political and legal systems, culture, etc.).
2. Class struggle: Marxism argues that society is divided into classes, with the ruling class (the bourgeoisie) exploiting the working class (the proletariat) for their labour. It posits that class struggle is the driving force of historical change.
3. Socialism as the ultimate goal: Marxism aims to overthrow the ruling class and establish a socialist society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the working class, leading to the elimination of class distinctions and the creation of a society based on equality and cooperation.
4. Dialectical materialism: Marxism’s method of understanding society is based on the idea that social, economic and political phenomena are in a constant state of change, development and struggle, which is dialectical.
5. Historical determinism: Marxism posits that history moves linearly, that is, the development of human societies follows a set path, and that a socialist revolution is inevitable in capitalist societies.
6. State and politics: Marxism argues that a state is a tool of the ruling class, used to maintain its power and suppress the working class. In a socialist society, the state would be abolished and replaced with a system of collective ownership and democratic control.

History Of Marxism

The history of Marxism can be traced back to the 19th century, specifically to the works of Karl Marx, a German philosopher and Friedrich Engels. Marx, a philosopher and economist, developed the core principles of Marxism in his early writings, such as the “Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts” (1844) and “The Communist Manifesto” (1848).

He later expanded on these ideas in his most famous work, “Das Kapital” (1867-1894). In the “Communist Manifesto,” Marx and Engels outlined the basic principles of Marxism, including the materialist conception of history, the theory of class struggle, and the vision of a socialist revolution.

They argued that capitalism, as an economic system, creates inequality and exploitation and that a socialist revolution is necessary to create a fair and equal society.

In the following decades, Marxism became a popular ideology among the working class and socialist movements around the world. In Russia, Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks used Marxist ideas to lead the October Revolution in 1917, resulting in the establishment of the Soviet Union, the first communist state in the world.

In China, Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China also used Marxist ideas to lead a revolution in 1949, resulting in the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

In the 20th century, Marxism has been a significant influence on the political and economic systems of many countries, particularly in the global south where it was used to justify national liberation movements and the creation of socialist governments.

However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the failure of other communist states to deliver on their promises of equality and prosperity led to a decline in the popularity of Marxism as a political ideology.

Today, Marxism remains a significant influence in some academic circles and continues to inform discussions about social, economic and political issues around the world.

Significance Of Marxism

Marxist ideology has had a significant impact on the world both historically and currently. Some of the significance of Marxism include:

1. Critique of capitalism: Marxism provides a critical analysis of the capitalist system and its effects on society, particularly the exploitation and alienation of the working class. It has been influential in shaping political and economic systems around the world.
2. Economic analysis: Marxism’s analysis of the capitalist system and its laws of motion has been influential in understanding the functioning of capitalist economies and the dynamics of class struggle.
3. Political theory: Marxism’s theory of class struggle and the state has informed political movements and theories, particularly those focused on creating a more equal and just society.
4. Philosophy: Marxism has been influential in shaping the way we think about society, history, and human nature. It has been influential in shaping the field of critical theory and cultural studies.
5. Social movements: Marxism has been a significant influence on social movements throughout history, particularly those focused on workers’ rights, anti-colonialism, and anti-racism.
6. International relations: Marxism has been influential in understanding the relations between capitalist and socialist countries, particularly during the Cold War and the decolonization process.
7. Literature and Arts: Marxism has been influential in shaping the way literature, film and other art forms are interpreted and has been used as a tool for the critique of the capitalist society.
8. Current affairs: Marxism continues to inform discussions about social, economic, and political issues around the world today, particularly issues of inequality, globalization and environmental concerns.

Form Of Government In Marxist Ideology

In Marxist ideology, the ultimate form of government is a classless, stateless society known as communism. However, to achieve this goal, Marxists advocate for a transitional period in which a socialist government is established.

This government would be based on the principles of democratic socialism, with the working class holding political power through elected representatives.

The government’s role would be to nationalize key industries and redistribute wealth, with the ultimate goal of creating a classless society in which the state is unnecessary. The main aim of this government is to abolish the capitalist system and class distinctions, as well as to promote economic and social equality.

Current Examples Of Marxism

There are several current examples of Marxism being applied or influencing various issues or movements around the world. Some examples include:

1. Communist countries: Countries such as China, Cuba, and Vietnam have officially adopted Marxism as their ideology, and have implemented policies and systems based on Marxist ideas such as collective ownership of production resources by a group and a system of economic planning.
2. Left-wing political parties: Many left-wing political parties around the world, such as the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of Greece (KKE), have Marxism as their ideology.
3. Labor unions: Many labour unions around the world, particularly those associated with the labour movement, have been influenced by Marxism and continue to use it as a framework for understanding and addressing workers’ rights and exploitation.
4. Anti-colonial movements: Many anti-colonial movements in the past century have been influenced by Marxism, particularly in their critique of capitalist exploitation and their vision of a socialist society.
5. Social welfare policies: Some governments and political parties have implemented policies influenced by Marxist ideas, such as universal healthcare and free education, in an attempt to address social inequality and poverty.
6. Environmentalism: Some environmentalists have adopted Marxist ideas to understand the relationship between capitalism and environmental degradation, arguing that the capitalist drive for profit is at the root of environmental problems.
7. Intellectual circles: Marxism is still studied and discussed in academic circles, particularly in the fields of sociology, political science, economics, and philosophy as a way of understanding society, its history and its future.

What Is Communism?

Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims to create a society without class distinctions or private ownership of the means of production.

The ultimate goal of communism is to create a society where everyone has equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives. This idea was first developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century, and it is based on the materialist conception of history and the theory of class struggle.

Communism is based on the idea that the current capitalist system is inherently exploitative and that the working class is oppressed by the ruling class.

It posits that the only way to create a fair and equal society is to abolish private ownership of the means of production and establish a system of collective ownership. This would end the exploitation of labour by capital and create a society based on equality and cooperation.

In a communist society, there would be no classes, no exploitation, and no need for a state to maintain social and economic inequality. Instead, society would be organized around the principles of cooperation, collective decision-making, and the equitable distribution of resources.

What Are The Key Features Of Communism?

1. Collective ownership: The means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned and controlled by the community as a whole, rather than by individuals or private entities.
2. Classless society: The ultimate goal of communism is to create a structure of society without class distinctions or social hierarchy.
3. Abolition of private property: Private ownership of property is abolished in a communist society and replaced with collective ownership.
4. Economic equality: In a communist society, resources and opportunities are distributed equitably among all members of the community.
5. Elimination of exploitation: Under communism, there is no exploitation of labour by capital, as the means of production are owned collectively by the community.
6. Collective decision-making: Decision-making power is held by the community as a whole, rather than by individuals or a small ruling class.
7. Stateless society: In a communist society, the state is abolished and replaced with a system of communal ownership and democratic control.
8. Internationalism: The idea that all human beings are equal and that the working class has no borders and should fight together against capitalist exploitation, regardless of their nationality.
9. Proletarian dictatorship: A temporary phase of the transition to communism where the working class is in power and uses it to eliminate the ruling class, abolish private property and establish a classless society.
10. Scientific socialism: The idea that socialism and communism can only be achieved through a scientific understanding of the laws of motion of history and society, not through moral or ethical considerations.

History Of Communism

The history of communism can be traced back to the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. Marx and Engels developed the core principles of communism in their early writings, such as the “Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts” (1844) and “The Communist Manifesto” (1848).

In these works, they outlined the basic principles of communism, including the materialist conception of history, the theory of class struggle, and the vision of a classless society.

In the following decades, communism became a popular ideology among the working class and socialist movements around the world. In Russia, Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks used communist ideas to lead the October Revolution in 1917, resulting in the establishment of the Soviet Union, the first communist state in the world.

Lenin’s government implemented policies such as the nationalization of land and industry and the establishment of a planned economy.

In China, Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China also used communist ideas to lead a revolution in 1949, resulting in the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Mao’s government implemented policies such as the collectivization of agriculture and the establishment of a planned economy.

In the 20th century, communism became a significant influence on the political and economic systems of many countries, particularly in the global south where it was used to justify national liberation movements and the creation of socialist governments.

In countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, communist parties came to power through revolutionary means and implemented policies similar to the Soviet Union and China.

However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the failure of other communist states to deliver on their promises of equality and prosperity led to a decline in the popularity of communism as a political ideology.

The failure of these countries to deliver economic prosperity, political freedom and human rights led to the fall of communist governments and the rise of democratic systems in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.

Today, communism remains a significant influence in some academic circles and continues to inform discussions about social, economic, and political issues around the world.

Related Article: Difference Between Communism And Communalism

Significance Of Communism

1. Critique of capitalism: Communism provides a critical analysis of the capitalist system and its effects on society, particularly the exploitation and alienation of the working class. It has been influential in shaping political and economic systems around the world.
2. Alternative economic system: Communism presents an alternative economic system based on collective ownership, which aims to eliminate the exploitation of labour by capital and create a society based on equality and cooperation.
3. Social justice: Communism aims to create a society without class distinctions or social hierarchy, where resources and opportunities are distributed equitably among all members of the community.
4. Political theory: Communism’s theory of class struggle and the state has informed political movements and theories, particularly those focused on creating a more equal and just society.
5. Social movements: Communism has been a significant influence on social movements throughout history, particularly those focused on workers’ rights, anti-colonialism, and anti-racism.
6. International relations: Communism has been influential in understanding the relations between capitalist and socialist countries, particularly during the Cold War and the decolonization process.
7. Literature and Arts: Communism has been influential in shaping the way literature, film, and other art forms are interpreted and have been used as a tool for the critique of the capitalist society.
8. Current affairs: Communism continues to inform discussions about social, economic, and political issues around the world today, particularly issues of inequality, globalization, and environmental concerns.
9. Inspiration for social movements: Communist ideas and movements have been an inspiration for other social movements that aim for equality and social justice.
10. Role in the historical development: The emergence of communism as a political and economic ideology has played a significant role in the historical development of the world, particularly in the 20th century.

Form Of Government In Communist Ideology

In communist ideology, the structure of government is based on the idea of a classless society in which the state is unnecessary.

In a fully-realized communist society, there would be no government as we know it today, instead, the people collectively make decisions through democratic means, with no need for a central authority to regulate economic and social affairs.

The means of production would be collectively owned and controlled by the working class. This structure is also known as the “dictatorship of the proletariat” which means that the power is held by the working class and the government is controlled by the people.

In theory, this would lead to a society without classes or states, where everyone would have equal access to resources and decision-making power.

Read More: Difference Between Socialism And Communism

Current Examples Of Communism

Currently, there are relatively few examples of countries or organizations that reflect the society towards communism that officially identify as a communist. Some examples include:

1. Cuba: The Communist Party of Cuba has been in power since 1959 and the country has a planned economy and state-controlled media.
2. China: The Chinese Communist Party has been in power since 1949 and the country has a mixed economy with a significant state-controlled sector and censorship of the media.
3. Vietnam: The Communist Party of Vietnam has been in power since 1975, and the country has a planned economy and state-controlled media.
4. Laos: The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has been in power since 1975, and the country has a planned economy and state-controlled media.
5. North Korea: The Workers’ Party of Korea has been in power since 1948, and the country has a planned economy and strict government control over the media and information.
6. Communist parties and movements around the world: There are also small communist parties and movements in other countries that continue to identify as communist and advocate for communist ideas.

It’s important to note that the practical implementation of communism in these countries has varied widely and that the ideals of communism have often been compromised by authoritarianism, lack of civil liberties and economic inefficiencies.

Related Article: Difference Between Communism And Democracy

Marxism Vs Communism – What Are The Differences?

Comparison Point	Marxism	Communism
Ideological foundation	The materialist conception of history, theory of class struggle	Abolition of private property, classless society, collective ownership of means of production
Economic system	Critique of capitalism, planned economy	Collective ownership of means of production, planned economy
Role of the state	The temporary dictatorship of the proletariat, eventual withering away of the state	Abolition of the state, collective decision making
Class distinctions	Elimination of class distinctions	Elimination of class distinctions
Private property	Elimination of private property	Elimination of private property
Means of production	Collective ownership of means of production	Collective ownership of means of production
Distribution of resources	Equitable distribution of resources	Equitable distribution of resources
Political theory	Theory of class struggle, critique of capitalism	Abolition of the state and private property, a classless society
Social justice	Elimination of exploitation, equitable distribution of resources	Elimination of exploitation, equitable distribution of resources
Internationalism	Proletarian internationalism	Proletarian internationalism

Note: Marxism is a philosophy that encompasses a wide range of ideas and theories, while communism is a specific political ideology that is built on some of the key principles of Marxism.

Additionally, Marxism is often associated with the idea of socialism, which is a broader term that can encompass a wide range of political and economic ideologies, while communism is a specific form of socialism.

Summing Up

In conclusion, while Marxism and communism share many similarities, they are not the same thing. Marxism is a broad philosophy that encompasses a wide range of ideas and theories, while communism is a specific political ideology that is built on some of the key principles of Marxism.

One of the key differences between communism and marxism is their approach towards the state. Marxism emphasizes the temporary dictatorship of the proletariat as a necessary step towards the establishment of a classless society, while communism envisions the abolition of the state and the establishment of collective decision-making.

Another difference is their approach towards private property. Marxism calls for the abolition of private property, but not immediately, rather as a process of socialization of the means of production. On the other hand, communism calls for the immediate abolition of private property.

In terms of the economic system, both Marxism and communism advocate for a planned economy and the collective ownership of the means of production.

However, Marxism critiques capitalism as the cause of exploitation and alienation, while communism aims to eliminate the exploitation of labour by capital and create a society based on equality and cooperation.

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