Maoism vs Marxism
Maoism is the version of Marxism-Leninism developed by Mao Zedong, which placed the peasantry at the center of revolution and stressed mass mobilization and continuous class struggle.
- The peasantry, not only the urban working class, can be the main force of revolution.
- Protracted people's war: revolutionary forces build bases in the countryside and surround the cities.
- Class struggle continues after the revolution, including inside the Communist Party.
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.
- Maoism: petals and stars
- Marxism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Authority100 points apart
Maoism: Strong leader (strong). Marxism: Democratic (mild).
- Trade100 points apart
Maoism: Protected (strong). Marxism: Global (mild).
- Foreign policy100 points apart
Maoism: Strength (moderate). Marxism: Cooperation (moderate).
- Culture90 points apart
Maoism: National identity (mild). Marxism: Multicultural (moderate).
★ Where they are closest
- Religion · 5 apart
- Markets · 5 apart
- Welfare · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Marxism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Public100%0%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Planned95%5%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Shared85%15%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Strong leader5%95%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order8%92%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Central20%80%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Progressive65%35%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Secular95%5%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace65%35%EmbraceCaution
- CultureMild: National identity35%65%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Protected10%90%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Strength25%75%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Maoism or Marxism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Maoism or Marxism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Maoism vs Marxism
What is the difference between Maoism and Marxism?
Maoism is the version of Marxism-Leninism developed by Mao Zedong, which placed the peasantry at the center of revolution and stressed mass mobilization and continuous class struggle. 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 authority, trade, foreign policy.
What do Maoism and Marxism have in common?
Their positions are closest on religion, markets, welfare. Overall their profiles are a 68% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Maoism 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.