why did Karl marx describe socialism as a transitional stage between capitalism and communism

Question

why did Karl marx describe socialism as a transitional stage between capitalism and communism

Answer 1

Marx's theory is directed toward an end, communism where the means of production not is in the hands of a few but in the hands of all. To arrive at this end Marx believe that this system is a process that will occur in stages; one of which is socialism. In capitalism a few people own and control the means of production amassing profit, creating class division - rich and poor. This form of control creates conflict. To remove this conflict socialism is the political and economic stepping stone intervention.

Socialism is a stage of transition from capitalism to communism. Socialism is to remove this contradiction of ownership and control by a few into state control. When the state controls the means of production all conflict cease to exist, and the lives of the majority of the people improve. During this transition the relations of production holds both form of economic activities - capitalism and social ownership. Economic activities remains through forms of incentives e.g. pay for work, which induces people to work. Each person contributes to the economic process according to ability and receives pay according to contribution. The goals has not yet been reached as the process continues to fine tune ownership and control moving closer and closer to communism.

Marx idea of communism, is ultimate goal for the society. He believes this form of control is in the best interest of the people as equality for all; no class division into rich and poor, between workers and owners of the means of production.  Instead of capitalist owning the means of production everyone now owns the means of production. In this system each person contributes to the society according to ability but will consumer based on needs. 

 

Marx believe that people are inherently good and society undesirable behavior results from their institutional environment. to correct society it requires moving from capitalism to communism . Moving from one to the other requires transition; socialism is that transition.