Why Democratic Socialists Like Bernie Sanders and AOC Embrace the Label Despite Not Advocating for Socialist Ownership

On the American political landscape, the term “socialism” often carries heavy baggage. Due to the historical conflation of socialism with the Soviet Union and its associated regimes, many have embraced a label despite their actual policies not aligning with what is traditionally considered socialist. This essay aims to clarify the nuances behind why political figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) describe themselves as socialists without advocating for the social ownership of the means of production.

The Misperception of Socialism in the US

The United States is notorious for conflating virtually any form of leftist ideology with socialism. As a result, the term is often linked to the Soviet Union and its oppressive regimes. This misconception has led many to believe that any person who calls themselves a socialist must adhere to the Soviet model, which includes:

The state expropriation of all means of production A one-party state with limited democracy A centrally-planned economy with no market influence A society with no freedom of speech, opinion, dissent, religion, or thought

It is important to note that despite these associations, which are rooted in the atrocities of the Soviet regime, socialism is not monolithic and has existed with various manifestations.

Different Definitions of Socialism

Socialism has evolved significantly since the Bolsheviks took power in the Soviet Union. The original concept of socialism emerged long before Marx and Engels developed their own perspective. It was born from concerns that the Industrial Revolution lacked key elements such as equality, justice, and solidarity. Beyond individualism, the social conscience was seen as integral to the concept of socialism.

Socialism has continued to develop in diverse directions, apart from Marxist ideology. For example, Christian socialism, anarcho-syndicalism, and other forms of thought have contributed to the rich tapestry of socialist philosophy. Each of these approaches offers unique insights and does not subscribe to the Soviet model.

Modern Democratic Socialism

Following World War II, many socialists recognized the horrors of Marxist application in the USSR and its satellite states. This led to a shift towards the development of a more equitable society while preserving individual freedoms, democracy, and a market economy. This new form of socialism is known as modern democratic socialism, and it is synonymous with social democracy today.

Democratically socialist parties, such as those in countries like Sweden, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal, form part of the Socialist International. These parties and their supporters often legitimate their use of the socialist label, especially given the significant numbers of social democrats who are the successors to traditional Marxists.

Examples: Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Both Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) are self-described democratic socialists. Their policies focus on issues such as economic inequality, healthcare, education, and social security, aligning with democratic socialism rather than Marxist socialism. For example:

Sanders has long advocated for universal healthcare, free college tuition, and a guaranteed minimum income. AOC has introduced the Green New Deal, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy while tackling unemployment and inequality.

Neither of these politicians endorse the expropriation of means of production as a means to achieve social equality. Instead, they propose policies that aim to redistribute wealth, promote social justice, and protect individual freedoms.

In conclusion, the label of "socialist" can be misleading in the American context, as it is often conflated with the Soviet model. However, the term can be accurately applied to modern democratic socialists like Sanders and AOC, who aim to create more equitable societies while preserving individual rights and freedoms. This essay clarifies the differences and challenges misconceptions that have shaped the understanding of socialism in the US.