Understanding the Differences Between Communism and Pure Communism
When discussing political and economic systems, two terms often arise: communism and pure communism. These concepts have fascinated political scholars and provoke thought in many people. In this article, we explore the distinctions between these two social systems to help clarify the differences and provide a deeper understanding.
Communist Dictatorships vs. True Communism
My senior year government teacher put it this way: ‘communist dictatorships’—systems designed to appear as collective efforts, but where power is concentrated in one individual, such as Xiong Li or Putin. In contrast, there is a type of true communism. This term refers to the way of life among tribal societies like Native Americans or the ancient Mayans depicted in the film Apocalypto. In these systems, everyone contributes to the welfare of the group, with men often taking responsible roles and women handling domestic tasks. This system thrives because the goal is to maintain group cohesion and strength, without competition and with no monetary system as there is no concept of “earning” or “spending.”
Many would find the idea of achieving such a system whimsical, perhaps even in a world occupied by Jesus Christ. However, the main reason we do not see this type of governance is the ambition of leaders to remain in control and powerful. True communism is a knee-jerk reaction to working in a factory that fails to consider broader societal issues, whereas pure communism is designed with the overarching picture in mind.
Communism is a stateless, classless, and moneyless society where people work according to their ability and receive according to their needs. In essence, there are no class antagonisms, no oppressors, and no ideologies to promote. In a stateless society, a state cannot exist because there is no class struggle. Money is unnecessary when production is for communal use and distribution based on need.
While we are far from achieving full communism, we are in the capitalist phase transitioning towards socialism and, eventually, communism. The road to this societal goal is full of challenges and imperfections. However, the aspiration towards this utopian society remains a guiding force for many political activists and thinkers.
Stateless, Classless, Moneyless Society
A stateless, classless, moneyless society is where no one is ruled or serves another, and the means of production are owned by all. In this system, every individual contributes to the well-being of the community and receives according to their needs. There are no borders, and everyone works for the collective good.
The concept of pure communism is often seen as a utopian ideal, but it remains a powerful force in the collective imagination of many societies. The idea of a world where everyone is equal and works for the good of all is a compelling vision, even if its complete realization remains elusive.