In the doctrine of democratic socialism, there is a clear blend of democracy and socialism. In fact, socialism is a mixed form of two schools of thought – democracy and communism. In other words we can say that the doctrine, which performs all its tasks in accordance with democratic means, is called socialism.
The main principles of the socialism are as follows :
- Disregard to capitalism and communism :
According to democratic socialism, capitalism is based on inequality and exploitation of general public. This arrangement can never do good to the people. Democratic socialism opposes communism because communism is based on the opposition to religion and moralism. It believes in class struggle and violent revolution.
- Faith in democratic system :
Democratic socialism believes in strong terms that if we intend to make changes in economic and social spheres, then we can do it by adopting democratic process only.
Socialism regards man as a moral creature, whereas in capitalism and communism, man is taken as economic creature. According to this doctrine, a man works on getting inspired by ideals, cooperation and brotherhood and by physical thoughts.
- Supporter of spiritual and moral values according to socialism :
The complete social system is based on religious and moral human values. The meaning of religion and faith does not mean any ritual or show, but in fact, it means to provide dignity to the human being. Besides, democratic socialism is not related to a particular religion. It respects all the other religions equally.
- An escape from class- struggle :
In socialist society, owners of property and labourers are accepted but it does not believe in class-struggle.
- Socialism favours political freedom as well as economic freedom :
Communism regards economic freedom of the people an important factor, whereas capitalism emphasises on political freedom of the citizens. Democratic socialism has doctrine that there should be economic freedom along with political and individual freedom.
- Democratic control on production and distribution :
Just contrary to capitalism, democratic socialism advocates that economy should be controlled by the elected government.
- Protests unlimited accumulation of property :
Socialism does not permit to abolish private property but calls for its limitation. According to socialism, the property which gives birth to exploitation should be nationalised. But the private property, which does good to the society, should be retained.
- The aim of living a dignified human life :
Democratic socialism wants the existence of a state for the development of human beings. In democratic socialism, the work area of the state should be wide. The state should launch many schemes for the public welfare.
