The goal of socialism is the common ownership of the production of wealth and goods, although socialists often disagree whether this goal will be achieved by means of revolution, reform, or by creating (planning) arrangements for the life and work of socialist communities on a small scale. Socialism is a deep and complex philosophy, with many variations, studying it thoroughly may require deep reading and discussion. As much as you know about socialism, there are many actions you can take to advance the goals of socialism or put these ideals into practice through everyday practice.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Practicing Socialism in Your Community
Step 1. Chat with people from different backgrounds
There are various branches and philosophies within socialism, but it has one main focus, namely cooperation and opposition to various castes (classes / degrees), such as castes based on wealth, class, or race. Look for people you rarely talk to, especially people who work for low wages or who are struggling in the lower castes. This doesn't make you a socialist, but it can enable you to understand more realistically and in detail the social (injustice) experiences that socialism tries to eliminate.
Understand that socialists generally want to reorganize society to eliminate this type of suffering, not simply reduce it with private charitable contributions
Step 2. Campaign against injustice
Socialism has long been associated with resistance to all forms of oppression, not just economic and class differences.
- Consider yourself studying and participating in movements aimed at ending hatred and anti-immigrants, racism, and discrimination on the basis of sex, gender and sexuality. Even movements that are rarely discussed in society at large, such as the campaign against inhumane treatment in prisons, have been championed by socialists for more than a century.
- Consider joining an organization that educates people on these topics, champions them, and/or helps the oppressed.
- Speak up when you witness discrimination. If discrimination does occur, file a claim against the employer by following the applicable guidelines (manpower laws, government regulations, company regulations, etc.).
Step 3. Make changes to your workplace
If you work for a small company or are respected in your work environment, you may have the position or ability to propose a more equitable pay structure, or to give low-status workers the opportunity to contribute ideas and help make decisions. Even if you do not have this authority, you may be able to petition or prosecute oppressive management decisions, such as abusive practices or discriminatory hiring practices.
Small business owners who intend to retire or look for other businesses may be persuaded to sell their companies to their workers. Although the form of this sale can vary depending on the legal route the owner wants to take, it can form the basis for the formation of a workers' cooperative which is fully owned and controlled by its members, or at least the establishment of a system of more equitable profit sharing between the employer and his workers
Step 4. Form a union in your workplace
History shows that the relationship between merchant associations and socialists has long been controversial, with a long history of both cooperation and discord. However, even if you join an anti-socialist trade union, you can find non-socialist union partners for special common interests, such as labor rights issues.
Step 5. Work in a union
Many unions are, ironically, "organized" from the top down, have privileges based on position, or fail to defend the rights of union members. If you work on union staff, and prove that you are a serious and helpful union member, you may be able to change this situation. Be aware that debating socialism may be less effective than training all union members to work together and encouraging them to participate in work planning meetings and discussions.
Some socialist organizations recommend that their union staff work according to their rank and duties for six months before trying to make major changes
Step 6. Start forming a workers' cooperative
There are many different types of cooperatives, but they are based on the same idea: a community that makes decisions and shares the profits equitably. This cooperative can be a group of co-workers who are tasked with distributing income and sources of income equally or a workers' cooperative that is more than that, where all employees have the same power over decision-making within the business entity.
Method 2 of 3: Joining the Greater Socialist Movement
Step 1. Join a socialist organization
Read about the philosophies and methods of some organizations before joining because they may have socialist ideals that are far different from yours. One of the major international socialist coalitions seeking various socialist organizations is the Progressive Alliance.
- In the United States, consider the radical socialist organization the International Socialist Organization, or the moderate American Democratic Socialist organization.
- In many European countries, socialists or parties with socialist sympathies occupy seats in national parliaments, as well as in the European Union parliament.
- In Latin America, there is the Foro de Sao Paulo conference involving various socialist organizations.
- In Asia and Africa, there are various socialist movements, but usually on a regional or national level.
Step 2. Campaign for socialist causes within other movements
More moderate socialists sometimes choose to support candidates for other parties, or pressure non-socialist parties with power. Joining or temporarily working with a progressive organization (open and aiming for advancement) that is widely recognized worldwide may give you the opportunity to gain important experience.
This strategy is very common in the United States, where socialists rarely win elections. In August 2014, there was one socialist-Democrat who sat in the United States Senate: Bernie Sanders
Step 3. Attend international socialist meetings
Consider taking a walk to attend an international socialist or progressive conference. These conferences are often attended by people from various socialist philosophies, so you can discuss specific topics as well as make connections.
- Look for news about the possibility of a conference being held again for example in Socialism, Marxism, and the World Social Forum.
- The Left Forum is a progressive conference in New York with an academic/scientific focus on socialists.
Method 3 of 3: Studying Socialism
Step 1. Read a book or introductory article on socialism
Socialism is a complex philosophy and has inspired various interpretations, ways of acting, and related ideas. If you are not familiar with the history and basic ideas of socialism, try reading books written as an introduction to socialism, such as:
- Introducing Marxism by Rius, a book in comic format containing informative instructions delivered with humor
- Introduction to Socialism by Leo Huberman and Paul Sweezy, a 1968 work by socialist intellectuals
- Introducing Marxism by Rupert Woodfin
- Marx's Kapital for Beginners by David N. Smith and Phil Evans
- Marx: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Singer
- Socialism: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Newman
Step 2. Read the writings of Marx and Engels
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, in 19th century Germany, collaborated in writing what is known as the basis of socialist philosophy, especially Das Kapital. The Communist Manifesto, a shorter book, is an excellent summary of their philosophy and socio-economic analysis.
Many Marxist and socialist writings can be found on the internet for free, for example at the Marxist Internet Archive
Step 3. Read the writings of Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky, a Russian Marxist and revolutionary in the 20th century, became the main socialist leader in opposition to Stalinism. He is now a major influence in the development of many modern socialist movements, he even created an entire branch of socialist theory known as Trotskyism or the "permanent world revolution." His works include In Defense of Marxism, The History of the Russian Revolution and The Revolution Betrayed.
Step 4. Read the work of other authors as well
There are many other socialist writers, writing from different points of view, countries, and time periods. Find writings by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Mikhail Bakunin, Rosa Luxemburg and Daniel De Leon, or read an introduction to them.
Step 5. Read socialist newspapers and magazines
Socialist media often focuses more on international issues than other media, and can be a good medium for finding out about various socialist perspectives and their current influences. Examples of socialist media are The Green Left Weekly, Indymedia, Red Pepper, Socialist Worker, Socialist Review, International Socialist, New Internationalist, New Left Review, New Politics, ZMag, and Socialist Standard.
