Whither Communism?

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. Karl Marx is undoubtedly one of the most influential persons to have lent their voice to political, social and economic issues. Marx believed that two classes have always existed in society, each class distinguished through its relationship to whatever form of production dominates the society at that time. As such, one class – the bourgeoisie, owns the means of production, and as a consequence is able to dominate all aspects of society, and impose its will in all facets of society. The other class - the proletariats own nothing and are thus forced into a life of servitude, following the dictates of the bourgeoisie.

For Marx, class distinction was simple. You either own, or you work for those who own. Questions regarding the existence of a middle class and such were irrelevant; you either have or you don’t have. Marx predicted the eventual decline of this capitalist society, with its replacement with a communist society. Conceptions of a communism can be traced back as far as Plato, however it is Marx and Friedrich Engels who are generally regarded as being most influential in the development of the concept.

It is obvious that some degree of conflict has always existed between classes in society. The fact that social class is often equated with racial background does little to ease the tension. According to Marx, the eradication of conflict in society could only come about through the advent of communism. Within a communist society, classes, the basis for the development of conflict would be removed, and basically, all aspects of society, all its resources, would be communally owned.

Such an egalitarian society, where everyone would be equal, and within which everyone would be contributing to national development seems a wonderful idea. Such a world would be free from exploitation and oppression, and filled with contented and willing individuals, all on the same level regardless of race, or any other distinguishing characteristics.

Following World War II, many communist states arose, and by the early 1980s, approximately one-third of the world’s population were living under a communist regime. Such communist regimes can however be seen to be far removed from the concept as presented by Marx. The means of production are not communally owned, and politicians and rulers typically enjoy a standard of living much higher than the general population. In fact, a truly communist state can be regarded as one that is devoid of a government, as the mere existence of a government creates a class distinction.

Take Cuba for example; one bastion of communist ideas. Cuba has for the most part succeeded in ensuring an educated and healthy population. It is however clear that the basic tenets of equality among all persons as purported by Marx is absent. Standards of living differ amongst Cubans and the harmonious communist state envisioned by Marx, really has failed to have ever existed.

What we have are mere representations of some communist principles, but real and genuine communism has never existed. Can it exist? Many would argue no, as quite simply humans have an innate drive and desire to want to achieve more than another. Additionally, the opportunity for classes to develop seems to exist far beyond the economic distinction made by Marx.

Should we want it to exist? Some, like Marx may argue that in such an egalitarian society, everyone would be free from corruption and exploitation and be truly happy. It seems clear however that in a society where one will achieve, regardless of effort and ability, there really is no incentive for one to want to put in the effort. Why should I want to put in the effort to become the world’s most successful scientist, when I would be living a similar standard of life as the world’s worst janitor? In fact, I would feel cheated and be far from being the contented individual Marx said I would be.

Communism is a bad word to many people. For some, it is a utopia – a dream that can never be realised. For others, it is a dream that will soon bear fruition. One thing is certain though, communism has never truly existed. Many states have purported to be communist, but are merely representations of the whims and fancies of particular individuals, portrayed through dictatorial rule. Can a society operate effectively without a supreme high commander?

Humans possess emotions, along with the ability to think, make rational decisions, and formulate opinions. All these mitigate against the supposed forthcoming of communism. Communism in theory seems a worthwhile dream. In the forms that it has been practiced however, it has proven to be a nightmare.