communism
UK: ˈkɒm.jə.nɪ.zəm | US: ˈkɑː.mjə.nɪ.zəm
n. A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless, stateless society where property and resources are collectively owned.
n. A system of government or social organization based on this ideology.
communism = commun<common> + ism<ideology>
- commun (from Latin communis, meaning "common, shared")
- ism (suffix denoting a distinct ideology, practice, or system)
Etymology Origin:
The word communism traces back to the Latin communis, meaning "shared by all." It emerged in the 19th century through French (communisme) to describe socio-economic systems emphasizing collective ownership. The suffix -ism formalizes it as an ideology, contrasting with individualism. The term gained prominence with Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto (1848), framing it as a critique of capitalism.
Communism aims to eliminate class divisions by redistributing wealth equally.
The fall of the Soviet Union marked a decline in state-sponsored communism.
Critics argue that communism often leads to centralized authoritarianism.
Early utopian thinkers laid the groundwork for modern communist theory.
The commune practiced a small-scale form of communism, sharing all resources.