社会主義

• Reading: しゃかいしゅぎ
• Romaji: shakaishugi
• Kanji breakdown: 社 (sha) — society, company; 会 (kai/e) — meet, association; 主 (shu/nushi) — main, lord; 義 (gi) — righteousness, meaning
• Pronunciation: /ɕa.ka.i.ɕɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Socialism. A political and economic system advocating collective ownership and social equality.

A noun referring to the political and economic ideology that advocates for collective or governmental ownership of the means of production and equitable distribution of resources. Often discussed alongside or in contrast with 資本主義 (capitalism) and 共産主義 (communism). Common in political science, history, and news contexts.

Examples

1. 社会主義の理念は19世紀のヨーロッパで広まった。 The ideals of socialism spread throughout 19th-century Europe.
2. 授業で社会主義と資本主義の長所と短所を比較した。 In class, we compared the strengths and weaknesses of socialism and capitalism.
3. その国は社会主義体制から市場経済へ移行した。 That country transitioned from a socialist system to a market economy.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, academic

Tone: academic

Origin & History

A modern compound: 社会 (shakai, society) + 主義 (shugi, -ism/ideology). Coined during the Meiji era as a translation of the Western political term 'socialism.'

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal