What is the opposite of communism? A. Socialism B. Capitalism C. Mixed economy D. None of the above
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Capitalism
The opposite of communism is capitalism. Communism and capitalism represent two fundamentally different systems of economic and political organization.
Communism is a system in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. In theory, it eliminates class distinctions and promotes equality by having the government or the community own and control the means of production, such as factories, land, and resources. There is little or no private ownership, and the goal is to create a classless society where everyone shares in the wealth.
On the other hand, capitalism is based on private ownership of property and the means of production. Individuals and businesses operate for profit, and economic decisions are driven by market forces such as supply and demand. People are free to own property, start businesses, and compete in open markets. Capitalism supports minimal government intervention in the economy and allows for individual wealth accumulation and income inequality based on competition and performance.
Socialism, listed as option A, shares some similarities with communism, particularly in its emphasis on social ownership and distribution of wealth. However, socialism can exist in democratic societies with a mix of private and public ownership. A mixed economy, option C, combines elements of both capitalism and socialism, where both private enterprise and government intervention play roles in the economy.
Therefore, since capitalism is based on private ownership, individual freedom, and market competition while communism emphasizes collective ownership, economic equality, and state control, the two are ideologically opposed. This makes capitalism the correct opposite of communism.
