What is collective ownership of means of production?

Collective ownership is the ownership of means of production by all members of a group for the benefit of all its members. The breadth or narrowness of the group can range from a whole society to a set of coworkers in a particular enterprise (such as one collective farm).

What does it mean to control the means of production?

Capitalism is defined as private ownership and control over the means of production, where the surplus product becomes a source of unearned income for its owners. Under this system, profit-seeking individuals or organizations undertake a majority of economic activities.

What’s the difference between common ownership and collective ownership?

Basically, common ownership is about universally shared use of the same resources. Collective ownership is a subset of common ownership, in that it is diffused (shared by everyone in the collective) but still “private” in the sense of excluding ownership – and use – to those outside of the collective.

What if workers owned the means of production?

Those who owned the tools they needed to produce wealth could profit from their position, while those who didn’t control these tools were relegated to menial, dangerous, and profitless labor while also having to pay the “haves” for access to essential goods and services.

Is there private ownership in communism?

Under communism, there is no such thing as private property. All property is communally owned, and each person receives a portion based on what they need. By contrast, under socialism, individuals can still own property.

What does it mean for workers to own the means of production?

“Workers’ control of the means of production” essentially means that workers have control over their work processes and participate in the management of their work by virtue of controlling the means of production.

Who has the right to control the means of production?

So in this context, it is about who has the right to control the means of production. Private ownership of the means of production is the definition of capitalism. In contrast, social ownership of the means of production is the definition of socialism.

Who owns the means of production in a Stalinist Society?

As most “communist” societies are run under a Stalinist system the means of production are owned by the state (controlled by the Stalinist elite). The workers own nothing. The “apparatchiks” of the system control all means of production. Stalinism is state capitalism.

Where does social ownership of the means of production exist?

Therefore “social ownership of the means of production” exists nearly everywhere around the globe in one form or another. The main differentiation from “private ownership of the means of production” is simple: it’s democracy.

What is private ownership of the means of production?

Ownership is the ultimate right to control property. So in this context, it is about who has the right to control the means of production. Private ownership of the means of production is the definition of capitalism.