Socialism vs.

Capitalism
Capitalism (Free market economy) –

It is an economic system in which

private individuals own all the material
means of production & all economic
activities are undertaken for purpose of
profit.
Features of capitalism -

- Right to private property.

- Right of inheritance.
- Freedom of enterprise.
- Freedom of choice for consumers.
- Profit motive.
- Competition.
- Price mechanism on market forces.
- Less role of government.
Merits of capitalism -

- Efficient utilization of resources.

- Rapid economic growth.
- Capital formation.
- Democratic nature.
- Innovation.
Demerits of capitalism -

- Concentration of economic power.

- Economic instability.
- Lack of maximum social satisfaction at minimum
social cost.
- Social waste.
- Rise of monopoly.
- Social discrimination.
- Loss of human values.
 Socialism (controlled economy or
communism) –

In this state owns & controls all means of

production. Decisions pertaining to
production, distribution are made through
central planning. The state dictates the
consumption pattern. It is based on the
principle: “from each according to his ability
to each according to his needs”.
Features of socialism -

- State ownership of means of production.

- Central economic planning.
- Social welfare.
- Equality of opportunity.
- classless society.
- Absence of competition.
Merits of socialism -

- Social justice.
- Economic stability.
- Rational allocation of resources.
- Higher economic growth.
- Absence of class struggle.
Demerits of socialism -

- Concentration of economic power in the state.

- Lack of incentive & initiative.
- Loss of consumer sovereignty.
- Loss of occupational freedom.
- Inefficiency & low productivity.
- Corruption.