Communism vs Marxism
Communism is a political and economic ideology that seeks a classless society in which property is owned in common and goods are shared according to need.
- Private ownership of the means of production creates class division and exploitation.
- Property should be held in common by society as a whole.
- Production should meet human needs rather than create profit.
Marxism is a theory of history and society that analyzes capitalism through class conflict and expects it to be replaced by a classless, collectively owned economy.
- Historical materialism: the way a society produces goods shapes its laws, politics and ideas.
- History moves through class struggle between groups with opposed economic interests.
- Under capitalism, workers produce more value than they receive in wages, and owners keep the surplus.
- Communism: petals and stars
- Marxism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Foreign policy60 points apart
Communism: Strength (mild). Marxism: Cooperation (moderate).
- Authority40 points apart
Communism: Strong leader (mild). Marxism: Democratic (mild).
- Security30 points apart
Communism: Order (mild). Marxism: Balanced.
- Trade30 points apart
Communism: Protected (mild). Marxism: Global (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Technology · 0 apart
- Religion · 0 apart
- Welfare · 5 apart
Axis by axis
Marxism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Public100%0%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Planned95%5%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Shared93%7%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityMild: Strong leader35%65%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityMild: Order35%65%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Central30%70%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Progressive70%30%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Secular93%7%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Embrace75%25%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: Multicultural75%25%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Protected45%55%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyMild: Strength45%55%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Communism or Marxism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Communism or Marxism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Communism vs Marxism
What is the difference between Communism and Marxism?
Communism is a political and economic ideology that seeks a classless society in which property is owned in common and goods are shared according to need. Marxism is a theory of history and society that analyzes capitalism through class conflict and expects it to be replaced by a classless, collectively owned economy. On the 12 axes they differ most on foreign policy, authority, security.
What do Communism and Marxism have in common?
Their positions are closest on technology, religion, welfare. Overall their profiles are a 87% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Communism or Marxism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.