What is Democratic Socialism?
Wants much of the economy owned or run collectively, but reached through elections and civil liberties rather than revolution.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by democracy rule (92%), collective ownership (88%), progressive tradition (82%) and pluralist culture (76%), and stays fairly neutral on power, trade and technology. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Libertarian Left area.
What Democratic Socialism stands for
Leaders should be chosen, criticized and replaced by the people, regularly and freely.
Wealth and key industries should be shared, taxed and run more democratically.
Customs should keep evolving toward more equality and personal freedom.
Many cultures and languages living side by side make a country richer.
Libertarian Left
Economic -6 · Social -5.8 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: ownership — Democratic Socialism is more collective (88% vs 70%).
Biggest difference: technology — Democratic Socialism is more acceleration (52% vs 24%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Democratic Socialism is more collective (88% vs 64%).
Nearest historical thinkers: Peter Kropotkin (82%), Thomas Paine (82%) and John Maynard Keynes (81%).
Democratic Socialism, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Democratic Socialism left or right?
On the classic political compass Democratic Socialism sits at economic -6 and social -5.8 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Libertarian Left area. Economically it leans toward equality and collective ownership.
What does Democratic Socialism believe?
Wants much of the economy owned or run collectively, but reached through elections and civil liberties rather than revolution. Its most defining positions are democracy on rule, collective on ownership, progressive on tradition and pluralist on culture.
What ideologies are similar to Democratic Socialism?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are Social Democracy (90% similar), Eco-Socialism (89% similar) and Progressivism (87% similar).
Am I a Democratic Socialism supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Democratic Socialism and 30 other ideologies.