African Socialism vs Socialism
African socialism was a set of postcolonial doctrines holding that African communal traditions could ground a socialism of self-reliance and national unity, distinct from Western capitalism and Soviet communism.
- Traditional African communities provide a model for a socialist society.
- Class struggle is less relevant in Africa than in industrial Europe.
- The state should lead development and control key resources.
Socialism is a family of ideas holding that the economy should be owned or controlled socially, so that wealth and power are shared more equally.
- Economic inequality is a central social problem, not a natural outcome to accept.
- Workers and communities should have more control over the places where they work.
- Key industries and services should be owned publicly, cooperatively or by workers.
- African Socialism: petals and stars
- Socialism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Authority80 points apart
African Socialism: Strong leader (moderate). Socialism: Democratic (mild).
- Culture75 points apart
African Socialism: National identity (moderate). Socialism: Multicultural (moderate).
- Morality70 points apart
African Socialism: Traditional (mild). Socialism: Progressive (moderate).
- Security50 points apart
African Socialism: Order (moderate). Socialism: Liberty (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Markets · 5 apart
- Foreign policy · 10 apart
- Technology · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Socialism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipModerate: Public80%20%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Planned83%17%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Shared78%22%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Strong leader25%75%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityModerate: Order30%70%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Central20%80%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Traditional40%60%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionBalanced53%47%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace55%45%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: National identity33%67%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Protected25%75%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Cooperation70%30%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to African Socialism or Socialism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with African Socialism or Socialism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
African Socialism vs Socialism
What is the difference between African Socialism and Socialism?
African socialism was a set of postcolonial doctrines holding that African communal traditions could ground a socialism of self-reliance and national unity, distinct from Western capitalism and Soviet communism. Socialism is a family of ideas holding that the economy should be owned or controlled socially, so that wealth and power are shared more equally. On the 12 axes they differ most on authority, culture, morality.
What do African Socialism and Socialism have in common?
Their positions are closest on markets, foreign policy, technology. Overall their profiles are a 76% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to African Socialism or Socialism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.