The Muddled Truth: Democratic Socialism vs. Social Democracy in the United States

Two terms that are often thrown around interchangeably but hold distinct meanings in the realm of political thought are Democratic Socialism and Social Democracy. Despite their differences, both trace their origins to the same leftist school of thought. Understanding the nuances between these terms is crucial in grasping the political landscape of the United States, particularly with the rise of figures like Bernie Sanders.

Understanding the Terms

Democratic Socialism is a social-economic system achieved through peaceful and democratic means, where workers control the means of production. This term emphasizes a direct shift towards socialism through democratic processes and relies heavily on the idea of workers' rights and collective ownership.

Social Democracy, on the other hand, is a hybrid economic system that merges both capitalist and socialist ideas. It is characterized by a robust social safety net, typically referred to as a welfare state, alongside a capitalist free-market economy. Examples of social democracy can be found in countries like Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

Bernie Sanders and the Confusion

One of the most prominent figures associated with the term Democratic Socialism is Bernie Sanders, who refers to himself as one. However, the reality is that he is a Social Democrat. The reason behind his choice of terminology can be attributed to cultural and linguistic factors. In the United States, the term "Social Democrat" may sound too closely associated with the Democratic Party, which is perceived as center-right. Therefore, "Democratic Socialism" rolls off the tongue more smoothly in a U.S. context.

Movements and Progress in Developed Countries

Most developed countries adopt a Social Democracy framework, which includes providing a strong welfare system to counter the ills of capitalism. This includes universal healthcare, free college tuition, universal child care, and mandatory maternity and paternity leave. For instance, despite the United States being cited as the richest country by GDP, when compared to countries like Denmark, it actually has a lower GDP per capita, indicating less wealth per citizen. This discrepancy highlights the need for more robust social welfare programs.

The Evolution of Terminology

The terms "Social Democracy" and "Democratic Socialism" have been used interchangeably since the 1920s, but the confusion around these terms today is more nuanced. Another point of contention is the use of "Social Democracy" to describe a specific type of political economy rather than a family of center-left political parties. This usage became more prevalent in the 1970s, primarily influenced by U.S. political scientists. However, this muddies the waters and understates the complex historical and political conditions that led to the modern welfare state.

The Historical Compromise

Like many complex political movements, the modern welfare state in Western Europe is the result of a "historical compromise" or "il compromesso storico," as proposed by the Italian Communist Party leader Errico Berlinguer. This compromise involved workers and capital negotiating trade-offs to achieve a stable social peace. Social Democrats after World War II, including some Western Communist parties, pledged themselves to supporting democracy and the rule of law, pursuing socialist policies within that framework.

The European welfare state is a product of democratic socialism, which seeks to build an egalitarian society gradually and democratically rather than overthrowing capitalism. This approach created a center-left consensus, leading to a stable social order, not socialism in the traditional sense, nor a new political economy called "social democracy." Instead, it created what British scholar John Ruggie referred to as "embedded liberalism."

The Modern Debate and Its Challenges

Current debates in the United States about "democratic socialism" and "social democracy" often miss the point. While figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) are self-identified socialists, the essence of social democracy lies in economic democracy, decommodification, and the construction of an egalitarian open society. Whether referring to it as "socialism," "Ooglybooglianism," or a "decent society," the key is collective action and the application of principles to the current circumstances.

The tragedy is that many so-called "social democrats" have lost sight of the true spirit of social democracy, wandering in a post-ideological landscape with little direction or vision. The core of social democracy and democratic socialism remains the pursuit of an equitable society through pragmatic, collective, and democratic means. The terms may vary, but the principles and the goal of building a fairer, more equitable world remain unshaken.