Collectivism
Collectivism is defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as:
- a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution
- emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity
While you may not be familiar with collectivism, you’ve likely heard of one of the collectivist ideologies – communism, fascism, Marxism or socialism. The definitions provided by Webster’s above are central to the philosophy of these collectivist ideologies.
The Promise of Collectivism
Collectivist ideologies promise an egalitarian society through shared ownership of the means of production, also known as “capital”. Everyone will be guaranteed adequate food, clothing, shelter and employment. The means of production will be managed by individuals selected by the masses through a democratic process.
These elected officials and their bureaucracy, also known as the “state” or “government”, will direct production of goods and services in the interests of “the common good” (i.e. the collective) based on their analysis and judgement instead of that of private parties committing their resources in response to market signals.
What will be produced and how much will be produced will be determined by the state. Any new inventions will only be created at the command of the state. Since human labor is a form of capital and the state replaces the market in determining what is the most efficient use of all capital, the state will dictate what your occupation will be, as well.
Collectivism Over Your Rights
As the Webster’s definitions above indicate, collectivist ideologies require subordination of the individual to the collective. In practice this means your fundamental human rights, such as your rights to free speech and expression, ownership of self and private property, body autonomy, religious faith, self-defense, and privacy, will all be inferior and subordinate to the dictates of the state.
The exercise of your fundamental human rights will not be protected, nor permitted, where the state deems such exercise is in conflict with the interests of the collective. Since the state will be in control of all economic life, rather than an open market, those who fail to comply with the dictates of the state will simply be denied access to the basic necessities of life.
Of course, what this type of society amounts to is not a utopian paradise, but rather a state of tyranny and slavery.
Collectivism in Practice
The lessons of the twentieth century expose both the fallacy of collectivist promises and the true intentions of those making them. As exemplified in the Soviet Union and the Communist Bloc, Nazi Germany and Communist China, when collectivism is put into practice it fosters authoritarian, dictatorial centralized government that controls every aspect of politics, the economy and personal life. People are not free to say or do anything that is not first sanctioned or approved by the state.
The history of these countries also establishes that, contrary to the promises of creating an egalitarian society, collectivism tends to create a privileged ruling class that exploits and oppresses the masses to a degree unmatched by other forms of government or economics. Collectivist leaders, while living and eating quite nicely, have overseen the death of tens of millions, some by outright starvation, and the oppression and misery of hundreds of millions more.
This result should not come as a surprise because most collectivist governments have been established through the use of force and maintained through intimidation and suppression of critics. The kind of people willing to use fear, intimidation and violence to force others to comply with their vision of the world are unlikely to fulfill any promises of securing utopia for you. But, rest assured, they will happily replace the privileged class you help dethrone with themselves.
For the good of the collective, of course.
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PNR Editor
