Every day, the Jacobin inbox is flooded with emails asking basic definitional questions about socialism. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have some. And we want to reach as many people as possible.

To do this, we published a special booklet — The ABCs of Socialism. Below are sections of the book, as well as additional writing and video inspired by the overwhelming interest in socialist ideas.

PS: The ABCs of Socialism is the perfect gift for the budding militant in your life. It’s also the perfect handbook for the seasoned socialist eager to share our politics with the radicalizing masses.

Buy a print copy today for just $5!

Isn’t America already kind of socialist?

Socialism isn’t just more government — it’s about democratic ownership and control. By Chris Maisano.

But at least capitalism is free and democratic, right?

Genuine freedom and democracy aren’t compatible with capitalism. By Erik Olin Wright.

Socialism sounds good in theory, but doesn’t human nature make it impossible to realize?

Our shared nature actually helps us build and define the values of a more just society. By Adaner Usmani and Bhaskar Sunkara.

Lecture: Why Socialists Should Believe in Human Nature

It’s tempting to argue that “human nature” doesn’t exist, but that’s wrong. All people want freedom from abuse and exploitation and the ability to lead decent lives.

Don’t the rich deserve to keep most of their money?

Wealth is socially created —redistribution just allows more people to enjoy the fruits of their labor. By Michael A. McCarthy.

Will socialists take my Kenny Loggins records?

Socialists want a world without private property, not personal property. You can keep your terrible music. By Bhaskar Sunkara.

Doesn’t socialism always end up in dictatorship?

Socialists have been among democracy’s staunchest advocates throughout history. By Joseph M. Schwartz.

Is socialism a Western concept?

Socialism is not Eurocentric because the logic of capital is universal — and so is resistance against it. By Nivedita Majumdar.

Lecture: Is Socialism Eurocentric?

Both capitalist exploitation and workers’ resistance look fundamentally similar all over the world. Within the West and outside of it, socialism speaks to those experiences.

What about racism? Don’t socialists only care about class?

Socialists actually think the struggle against racism is central to undoing the ruling class’s power. By Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor.

Aren’t socialism and feminism sometimes in conflict?

Ultimately, the goals of a radical feminism and socialism are the same — justice and equality for all people. By Nicole Aschoff.

Wouldn’t socialism be bad for the environment?

Under socialism, we would make decisions about resource use democratically — to satisfy human needs, not maximize profits. By Alyssa Battistoni.

Are socialists pacifists? Aren’t some wars justified?

Socialists see an important difference between the violence of the oppressed and that of the oppressors. By Jonah Birch.

Why do socialists talk so much about workers?

Workers are at the center of socialist politics because they are at the heart of the capitalist system. By Vivek Chibber.

Lecture: Why We Still Talk About the Working Class 

Socialists focus on the working class because of our diagnosis of what’s wrong with society and our prognosis of how to fix it.

Interview: Workers Hold the Keys

Despite the threat of automation and the weakness of organized labor, workers still hold the key to winning social change.

Will socialism be boring?

Socialism isn’t about inducing bland mediocrity. It’s about unleashing the creative potential of all. By Danny Katch.