Democratic socialism vs. social democracy
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The terms democratic socialism and social democracy have often been used interchangeably, and many have considered them synonymous until recently. Now the term social democracy refers to an ideology that is more centrist and supports a broadly capitalist system, with some social reforms (such as the welfare state), intended to make it more equitable and humane. Democratic socialism implies an ideology that is more left wing and supportive of a fully socialist system, established either by gradually reforming capitalism from within, or by some form of revolutionary transformation. By fully socialist, this refers either to the idea of public ownership by a government that is democratically accountable to its citizens, or the idea of communism where everyone has equal power in the decision-making about the means of production.
Social democrats typically advocate a welfare state, although some social democrats, being influenced by the Third Way, would be willing to consider other means of delivering a social safety net for the poorest in society. Democratic socialists usually support re-distribution of wealth and power, social ownership of major industries, and a planned economy. Social democrats have largely abandoned these concepts. Many democratic socialists retain a Marxist analysis, while social democrats might entirely reject Marxism.
Democratic socialists often believe not only in public ownership by a democratically-elected government but also in workplace democracy. Essentially this is a form of syndicalism, in which workers of a particular industry get to vote on major industrial decisions, the logic being that since such decisions affect them the most, they should have the largest voice in these matters.
