Socialism is both a political and economic theory and a historical stage in human development. As capitalism continues to squeeze profits from workers, more people become aware of who truly produces society’s wealth — and who benefits from their labor. This growing awareness raises a critical question: if capitalism creates unbearable conditions for the majority, what comes next?

At its core, socialism advocates for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production. This means that major resources and industries — such as factories, land, energy, and transportation — are owned and managed collectively, rather than by private individuals or corporations.

The ultimate goal of socialism is to eliminate class divisions, exploitation, and extreme inequality. Unlike capitalism, which prioritizes competition and profit, socialism emphasizes cooperation and community for the common good.

In a socialist society:

• Essential services like healthcare, education, and housing are considered fundamental human rights, not commodities.
• Political and economic power is placed in the hands of the working class, allowing people to determine their own path forward based on their needs, traditions, and lived experiences.
• Wealth and resources are redistributed to ensure a fair and dignified standard of living for all.

The transition from capitalism to socialism represents one of the most revolutionary turning points in human history. This transition is both a historical process shaped by key events and a current struggle. Because it transforms the entire way society is organized, it is inherently revolutionary.

This transition is also necessary to resolve the central contradiction of capitalism: profit built on the exploitation of labor. Only socialism can remove this fundamental obstacle to human progress.

Ultimately, socialism is a necessary step toward communism, helping society move beyond individualism and divisions rooted in race, gender, or status. It encourages people to think and act based on what benefits the collective rather than narrow self-interest.

The path to establishing a socialist society

Understanding socialism also requires understanding where we are in the process of transition. Each historical period must be assessed to determine how close society is to systemic change.

Socialism will become possible when the majority of people are convinced that capitalism offers no real solution to their problems. In the United States, socialism will not be copied from other countries—it will develop from our own experiences, struggles, and traditions.

All social systems are subject to change. Slavery, feudalism, and capitalism each served a historical purpose but were eventually replaced by higher forms of social organization. Marxism recognizes continuous change as a fundamental law of motion in both nature and society.

Today, the course of human events is shaped by anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist struggles worldwide. These forces, combined with resistance to imperialism, are determining the direction of history.

A key part of building socialism is the struggle for reforms. Lenin argued that people develop political consciousness through their own lived experiences in struggle. Even small reforms are important because they:

• Engage millions of people in collective action
• Demonstrate that change is possible
• Help working people recognize their own power

Victories—alongside inevitable defeats—are essential. Class consciousness does not automatically emerge from worsening conditions; it develops through struggle, organization, and experience.

Throughout this process, capitalist forces will attempt to regain control. This is why it is critical to fight the battle of ideas at every level, convincing people not only that change is necessary, but that they have the right and power to demand it.

When will we have socialism?

Socialism will not arrive on its own. It will emerge when people commit to:

• Grassroots organizing
• Educating working people beyond leftist circles
• Participating directly in struggles alongside them

Education must be grounded in language that resonates with working people—not just abstract theory or quotations. While theory is important, people must also see what is possible in their own lives.

For a transition or revolution to succeed, society’s thinking must take a revolutionary turn. People must believe that socialism is not a temporary fix, but a permanent solution worth defending against opposition.

The revolutionary process

The revolutionary process is ongoing. It involves:

• The accumulation of experience
• The internal deterioration of capitalism
• Sharpening class contradictions
• Growing resistance to imperialism
• The ideological and political development of revolutionary forces

Even during periods that seem calm or stagnant, these processes are at work beneath the surface. The engine driving all of this is class struggle. Any serious assessment of the moment must consider this broader, unfolding process.

Building socialism: a continuing struggle

Once society begins moving toward socialism, the work does not end. The transition itself will involve experimentation, mistakes, and course corrections. Capitalist forces will attempt to spread misinformation and divide the working class.

This makes it essential to convince the majority of working people that socialism is the only path forward—so they are prepared to defend it.

Just as countries around the world have taken different paths toward socialism, our path will reflect our own history, traditions, and beliefs. Socialism will not come from declarations alone. It will require hard work, perseverance, and sometimes difficult decisions.

Conclusion

Socialism is not just an idea — it is a historical process already in motion. Through organizing, education, struggle, and collective action, working people can build a society based on equality, cooperation, and shared prosperity. The task before us is to help make that future a reality.

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