With so many socioeconomic theories, it can be hard to keep it straight. We'll be posing a fundamental question, What is Socialism? This session is designed for anyone interested in discussing socialism, from new-comers to seasoned comrades. Stop by and have a conversation!

This module has two related goals. The first is to discuss why socialists aim to replace capitalism with an
entirely different system called “socialism,” rather than reforming capitalism to make it better for working
people. The second is to consider what the system of socialism is that we are working to achieve. While it is not possible to specify the details of a future socialism in advance, we must develop a vision of a plausible socialist alternative to capitalism that can inspire masses of working people to go beyond capitalism.

Ever since ancient times, there have been people fighting for more equality, democracy, and social justice. But the modern political doctrine of socialism and the movements associated with it only emerged in the last few centuries. Since then, socialists have contributed to winning voting rights, minority rights, worker rights, progressive taxation, welfare states, and the overthrow of colonial rulers.

Still, we confront an unjustly unequal world between and within countries. The legacy of the Red Scare and Cold War in America, when socialists and communists were purged from public life and official positions, means that a new generation of activists are redefining socialism. But we insist that it means more than just a new New Deal: workers must own the means of production and run society for themselves.

We will be discussing excerpts from the following readings:

1. "Democratic Socialism, explained by a democratic socialist" by Meagan Day
2. "Building Socialism from Below: Popular Power and the State" by Ben Tarnoff
3. "Socialism for Realists" by Sam Gindin