Difference Between Communism vs Capitalism

There are different operations, strategies, beliefs, and principles that guide every economic structure. The principles and ideas that are dominating in such territories determine the type of system in operation. Capitalism vs communism are two contrasting economic systems that are applicable in different places.

The difference between communism and capitalism is that the former supports equality in society by making economic services owned and controlled by the community. In contrast, the latter seeks to privatize production activities. However, this article will explain more about this discussion.

Definition of Communism

Communism is defined as a socio-economic structure that supports equality in society. In order words, everyone has a balanced and equivalent level of right to every productive activity and decision.

Regardless of individual contributions, the profit or returns are usually shared equally. In such communities, properties and production activities are equally owned by every member of the society. It could also be referred to as state-controlled or government economy.

However, if it will be described in its real sense, any form of governance wouldn’t exist because no superiority or controlling power is involved. Everyone simply has the common ability and power to make decisions and take similar rewards.

The primary goal is for sustainability and survival, and every member of the society simply cooperates to ensure the continuity of society. So, no form of privatization is found in communism.

Definition of Capitalism

Capitalism is the type of socio-economic system whereby economic activities and ownership are majorly owned and controlled privately. In other words, there is no governance or state ownership and certain individuals control production activities for the purpose of making a profit.

This could be described as a system that is characterized by a free market operation, and the only contribution of the government is to ensure appropriate checks and rules to regulate the system. There is always a very high market competition in such systems that are accompanied by social disparities concerning product and prices.

Any capitalist system aims to make profit. This will ensure efficiency in production since every producer will be willing to have the best rate of demand for its product.

Main Differences Between Communism vs Capitalism

The table further shows the major disparities between them

Basis of Comparison	Communism	Capitalism
Definition	It is a socio-economic structure that supports equality in the society.	It is the type of socio-economic structure whereby economic activities and ownership are majorly owned and controlled privately.
Purpose	Social satisfaction	For profit-making
Free market	There is no free market	There is a free market.
Market distribution	The goods or profits are shared equally regardless of contributed effort.	It is majorly determined by individual choices.
Process of change	The major agent of change is the governing body rather than market interaction. The effect of such changes could be slow.	Market forces of demand and supply determine the level of change in price and quantity. And changes are made effective quickly.
Production	It is determined by the societal needs and what is available.	Based on demand and supply.
Political system	This system is controlled directly by people in an equal manner but with a selected body to govern and regulate the system.	This can be operated in anarchism, direct democracy or dictatorship system of politics.
Economic decision	Financial and monetary decision is based on societal needs.	Decision is made by the forces of demand and supply, and partly by regulating rules and policies imposed by the governing body.

Difference Between Communism and Capitalism: Conclusion

In summary, communism vs capitalism has clear disparities that are based on societal nature and demands. The former regards every production service to be owned by the community, whereas capitalism privatizes every production service in the economy. Finally, these systems also allow governance except in a clear or strictly communized economy.

Without looking at other variations, this forms the major difference between capitalism and communism. Since market and production services are privately owned in a capitalist system, then it is expected that everyone works independently. On the other hand, wealth is expected to be shared based on the needs of society and available resources.