Marxism vs Communism UPSC Notes: Meaning, Differences & More

Communism is fundamentally built on Marxism, and the two are inextricably linked. However, Marxism is the theory, while Communism is the practical application of Marxism. The major difference between communism and Marxism is that communism is an ideology based on common ownership in the absence of social classes, money, and states. Marxism is an ideology by Karl Marx that is a social, political, and fiscal theory that focuses on struggles between capitalists and the working class.

In this article on Marxism vs Communism UPSC, we will examine in depth the Difference between Marxism and Communism, and their features. 

This topic of Marxism vs Communism under Indian Society is essential for both the Prelims and Mains of the UPSC Exam.

मार्क्सवाद और साम्यवाद में अंतर के बारे में हिंदी भाषा में जानकारी प्राप्त करें!

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Marxism vs Communism

Here, we will discuss the major difference between Marxism and Communism:

Marxism vs Communism Difference
Basis of Comparison	Marxism	Communism
Definition	Marxism is a political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx. It analyzes the relationship between the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat), and advocates for a classless society achieved through a socialist revolution.	Communism is a political, economic, and social system based on the principle of common ownership of the means of production, distribution of goods according to need, and the absence of social classes, money, and the state.
Theoretical Framework	Marxism provides a theoretical framework for understanding the historical development of capitalism and the inevitability of its downfall, leading to the establishment of a socialist and eventually a communist society.	Communism is the end goal or desired state of a society, where the principles of Marxism have been fully implemented and realized.
Role of the State	Marxism advocates for the temporary use of the state as a tool to facilitate the transition from capitalism to socialism, with the eventual withering away of the state.	Communism envisions the complete abolition of the state, as it is seen as a tool of oppression by the ruling class.
Class Struggle	Marxism emphasizes the inherent conflict between the capitalist class and the working class, and the need for the proletariat to overthrow the bourgeoisie through a violent revolution.	Communism aims to eliminate class distinctions and create a classless society where there is no exploitation of one class by another.
Economic System	Marxism proposes the collective ownership of the means of production and the distribution of goods according to the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."	Communism advocates for the complete abolition of private property and the establishment of a centrally planned economy where all resources are collectively owned and distributed based on need.
Social Structure	Marxism envisions a transitional socialist stage where the state is used to facilitate the redistribution of wealth and the gradual elimination of class distinctions.	Communism seeks to create a utopian society without social classes, money, or the state, where everyone is equal and the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" is fully realized.

What is Marxism?

Marxism is management analysis where there’s no difference between the affluent party and the poor people. It is Karl Marx’s worldview or ideology in which all individuals are equal and valued. Marxism believes that the people are what distinguishes communists from Marxists.

Fig: Karl Marx

The primary goal of Marxism theory is to understand the interaction between classes and to construct a network. Given by Karl Marx, it primarily focuses on the socioeconomic component of historical history, employing a materialistic interpretation. Karl Marx, a German philosopher, established Marxism in the nineteenth century AD.

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Importance of Marxism

Marxism provides a critical analysis of capitalist society, highlighting issues of class struggle, economic inequality, and the exploitation of labor to understand and advocate for systemic change. Its theoretical framework has influenced numerous social and political movements worldwide, aiming to address and rectify disparities in wealth and power.

• Marxism provides a comprehensive analysis of the capitalist system, its inherent contradictions, and the inevitability of its downfall.
• Marxism raises the class consciousness of the proletariat. It inspires them to organize and fight for their rights and the overthrow of the capitalist system.
• Marxism highlights the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class and the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
• Marxism's concept of historical materialism offers a framework for understanding the historical development of societies and the role of economic forces in shaping social, political, and cultural change.
• Marxist ideas have significantly influenced various political movements and revolutions. This includes the Russian Revolution, the Chinese Revolution, and the anti-colonial struggles in the Global South.
• Despite the demise of communist regimes in the 20th century, Marxist analysis continues to provide valuable insights into the contemporary issues of inequality, exploitation, and the need for systemic change.

What is Communism?

Communism is a social, political, or economic concept that seeks to construct a communist society with shared ownership of the means of production. Furthermore, it is focused on the absence of social class, money, and the state. Communism may also be defined as a subset of socialism.

Communism is a philosophical, social, political, or economic concept in which everyone is treated equally regardless of where they come from or what they do for a living. The ultimate goal is to construct a communist society and socioeconomic order based on notions of ownership of means of production and the absence of social class, wealth, and location.

Importance of Communism

Communism aims to create a classless, stateless society where the means of production are owned collectively, eliminating private property and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. This ideology seeks to achieve a society based on equality, where all individuals contribute according to their ability and receive according to their needs.

• Communism's goal of creating a classless society with equal access to resources and opportunities is a powerful vision of social justice and egalitarianism.
• The principle of collective ownership of the means of production and the distribution of goods based on need aims to eliminate economic exploitation and ensure a more equitable economic system.
• Communism seeks to abolish social hierarchies and power structures. It promotes the ideal of a society where individuals are free from oppression and domination.
• Communism prioritizes the collective wellbeing of the entire society over individual profit and accumulation of wealth. It aims to create a more cooperative and altruistic social order.
• Communism's rejection of the capitalist system and its inherent contradictions has served as a significant challenge to the dominance of capitalism and has inspired alternative economic and social models.
• The rise of communist regimes in the 20th century has had a profound impact on global political dynamics, shaping international relations, ideological conflicts, and the balance of power.

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Communism vs Marxism vs Socialism

Here's a table outlining the differences between Communism, Marxism, and Socialism:

Communism vs Marxism vs Socialism
Aspect	Communism	Marxism	Socialism
Definition	A political and economic ideology aiming for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.	A theoretical framework developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that analyses the class struggle and societal development through historical materialism, leading to the eventual establishment of a communist society.	An economic and political system advocating for public or collective ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, often aiming to reduce inequality and ensure a fair distribution of wealth.
Origin	Developed from Marxist theory, influenced by the Russian Revolution (Leninism) and later interpretations.	Originated from the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century.	Emerged as a response to the inequalities of capitalism, with roots going back to early utopian thinkers and developed further in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Economic System	Classless, stateless society with communal ownership of all resources.	Analysis and critique of capitalism, leading to the advocacy for the abolition of class structures and the eventual establishment of communism.	Mixed economy with both public and private ownership; state intervention in the economy to redistribute wealth and provide public services.
Class Structure	No classes; aim for a completely classless society.	Focuses on the class struggle between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers).	Seeks to reduce class disparities but does not necessarily aim for a completely classless society.
Political System	Stateless and classless society where the state has withered away.	Provides the theoretical foundation for the transition from capitalism to communism, including the dictatorship of the proletariat.	Democratic governance with significant state intervention to regulate the economy and provide social services.
Key Proponents	Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong.	Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels.	Various thinkers and leaders including Robert Owen, Eduard Bernstein, Clement Attlee, and others.
Implementation	Implemented in various forms in the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and other countries, often with a single-party system.	Theoretical framework; not a political system itself, but a guide for revolutionary action and the establishment of communism.	Implemented in various forms in countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and in different degrees in many other countries.
Goal	Achieve a stateless, classless society with common ownership of all resources.	Understand and critique capitalism, and provide a roadmap for the proletariat to overthrow capitalism and establish communism.	Achieve economic equality and social justice through democratic means and public control of key industries.
Means of Change	Revolution and the establishment of a proletarian dictatorship to transition to a classless society.	Revolution and the overthrow of the capitalist system, leading to a dictatorship of the proletariat and then communism.	Democratic processes, reforms, and state intervention to achieve social and economic goals.

Conclusion

Theories came and went, but the ideology of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels altered the entire world by shifting perspectives. In communism, it’s all about equality. Marxism is the theme of the framework. The primary goal of communism is to follow the path to enlightenment and equality. Communism and Marxism are similar in several ways.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Foundational Theories: Marxism is a socio-economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, providing a critique of capitalism and outlining the historical progression toward a classless society. Communism, as the ultimate goal of Marxist theory, envisages a stateless, classless society with collective ownership of the means of production. Philosophical Basis: Marxism combines historical materialism and dialectical materialism to analyze social evolution, emphasizing the role of class struggle in societal development. Communism, rooted in Marxist theory, aspires to abolish social hierarchies and class distinctions through communal ownership. Economic Structure: Marxism critiques capitalist economies for creating inequality and exploitation, advocating for a transition to socialism as an intermediary phase. Communism proposes the establishment of a system where all property is communally owned and wealth is distributed based on need. Political Implications: Marxism outlines the necessity of a proletarian revolution to overthrow bourgeois dominance and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat. Communism aims for the eventual withering away of the state, leading to a self-regulating society without political coercion. Transitional Phases: Marxism details a staged approach from capitalism to communism, with socialism as an essential transitional state where the working class holds power. Communism represents the end state where the temporary socialist state dissolves into a classless, stateless society. Real-World Applications: Marxism has influenced numerous political ideologies and movements, leading to the establishment of socialist states in the 20th century. Communism, as practiced in countries like the Soviet Union and China, has been subject to various interpretations and implementations, often deviating from pure Marxist ideals. Criticisms and Challenges: Both Marxism and communism face criticisms for being overly deterministic, underestimating human nature, and leading to authoritarian regimes. Critics argue that the practical implementations of communism often resulted in oppressive political systems rather than achieving genuine class equality. Contemporary Relevance: Despite the fall of many communist regimes, Marxist theory continues to influence contemporary socio-political thought, prompting debates on issues like economic inequality, workers' rights, and the sustainability of capitalism. Communism's vision remains an aspirational ideal for various leftist movements seeking to address systemic inequities.

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