Collectivism vs. Communism — What's the Difference?

Adaptable across different societies.

Aims to create a classless society.

Affects social norms and behaviors.

Advocates for communal ownership of property.

Emphasis on group goals over individual interests.

Political and economic ideology.

Present in various cultural or organizational contexts.

Seeks to eliminate state structures.

Social philosophy valuing community and cooperation.

Based on theories by Karl Marx and others.

Collectivism is a value that is characterized by emphasis on cohesiveness among individuals and prioritization of the group over the self. Individuals or groups that subscribe to a collectivist worldview tend to find common values and goals as particularly salient and demonstrate greater orientation toward in-group than toward out-group.

Communism (from Latin communis, 'common, universal') is a philosophical, social, political, and economic ideology and movement whose ultimate goal is the establishment of a communist society, namely a socioeconomic order structured upon the ideas of common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money, and, in some cases, the state. As such, communism is a specific form of socialism.

The principles or system of ownership and control of the means of production and distribution by the people collectively, usually under the supervision of a government.

A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are owned and controlled by the people collectively

A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.

The practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it.

The Marxist-Leninist doctrine advocating revolution to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat that will eventually evolve into a perfectly egalitarian and communal society.

The doctrine that land and capital should be owned by society collectively or as a whole; communism.

Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.

Soviet communism

Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.

A political theory that the people should own the means of production

The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.

A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.

A form of socialism that abolishes private ownership

A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society

Yes, collectivist values can be integrated into various economic systems, including capitalism, where they influence social behaviors and organizational practices.

Collectivism is a broader social philosophy prioritizing group goals, while communism is a specific political ideology aiming for a classless society through communal ownership.

Yes, one can support collectivist principles in terms of social cooperation and community without endorsing the economic and political tenets of communism.

Collectivist education systems emphasize teamwork and community involvement, while communist education aims to instill ideology and prepare citizens for a classless society.

Collectivist values may prioritize group consensus and welfare, which can sometimes limit individual choices and freedoms in favor of collective benefits.

The Soviet Union and Maoist China are historical examples of states that attempted to implement communist ideologies.

Communism aims to abolish private property and redistribute resources, theoretically eliminating economic inequalities that define class structures.

Many Asian and Scandinavian countries exhibit collectivist cultures, emphasizing community and collective well-being.

In collectivist systems, leadership often focuses on group harmony and consensus, while in communist systems, leadership may pursue more radical reforms to establish a classless society.

The effectiveness of communism has been debated, with some arguing that its ideals are difficult to achieve in practice, often leading to unintended economic and social consequences.