Comprehension PassageSocialism aims at equality and social justice through…
2026
Comprehension Passage
Socialism aims at equality and social justice through government ownership and control over the means of production. Yet, no socialist country has been able to realise these aims. Even in Russia which is the pioneer of Socialism, much injustice, oppression and inequality prevails. There are glaring disparities between the elite and the masses.
On the contrary, the Capitalist system is based on private property and voluntary exchange. People have disliked it on the presumption that it serves narrow and vested interests only. However, Capitalist countries have shown better results as people there enjoy comparatively more freedom and prosperity, and less injustice and inequality.
It would be incorrect to say that socialism or communism was made corrupt by wicked and incompetent rulers or that capitalism has been successful in spite of the prevalence of immoral values in it. No political system can succeed unless its good and moral qualities are sustained.
However idealistic any particular system may be, it can be upheld only by ensuring respect for the dignity and individuality of each person, his rights and values, and by guaranteeing his personal freedom. Compulsion and the use of force, or exertion of psychological pressure should give way to gentle urging, reasoning and convincing. This is the fundamental value in inter-personal human relationships in society.
The capitalist countries perform even better as compared to the socialism because it is based on:
- A.
Private property and voluntary exchange
- B.
Public property and voluntary exchange
- C.
Private property and involuntary exchange
- D.
Public property and involuntary exchange
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Correct answer: A
The passage explicitly states that the Capitalist system is based on 'private property and voluntary exchange.' This distinguishes it from socialism, which relies on government ownership. Consequently, the text argues that capitalist countries perform better due to this foundation of private property and voluntary exchange.