Is socialism a totally unworkable economic system?

Question

If so, how would one explain the fact that Norway (a democracy with a socialist economic system) enjoys the highest quality of life in the world?

Answer 1

Norway is mainly made up of Norwegians, and not millions of lazy people and illegals, all hoping to get free benefits, which we continue to provide.

Answer 2

oh, ya already pointed out just what i was going to.  Scandinavia is socialist, seems to work just fine for them.  i know some people from sweden and denmark, they complain about taxes that we would think were incredibly high.  so i ask them would you rather have our system?  oh god no.  you have no health care, and i make three times as much as i could in the US.  even after taxes it's considerably more.  i'd move to Christiania (in København), but i hate the cold.  

Answer 3

Try it somewhere that has a large class of people who refuse to work and have baby after baby for others to support; or send them 13 million illegals. Socialism is a joke in the real world.

Answer 4

Yes, it has its merits.

Norway is not rich beyond compare...they have their problems. Could they defend themselves against invasion? What contributions have they made to the world? Are they solving crises?

Socialism and capitalism are only a good mix if the leader is a kindly benefactor to its people. Think China (who is not).

Answer 5

Norway has a booming oil industry that is able to sustain a socialistic-type economy.  Sweden started off that way and had to cut back, and the main reason is because they did not have a petro-economy like Norway.  I agree, Norwegians seem very content, but that's possible when you have the oil reserves they have.  

Answer 6

Most of the Scandinavian countries run on a socialist economic system - and they all are thriving. It's totally workable obviously, it just depends what type of government it is paired with. Can't say for sure whether a socialist economy could effectively be paired with American democracy.

Answer 7

Socialism is unworkable in the sense that it is much harder to control and exploit people who organise together for mutual benefit. Socialism is the natural outcome of a functioning democracy as those who represent the widest spread of interest will win the greatest share of the vote. The U.S. ruling Junta despises socialism as it would interfere with the elitist control of the U.S. and the world

Answer 8

Socialism is not an economic system at all.  It is a political system which assumes the existence of production and devotes itself to dividing up the spoils.

High rent, high gas, high alcoholism...Oslo is one of the world's most expensive cities to live in.  No thanks.  

All the Norwegians with entrepreneurial instincts moved to Minnesota a long time ago.

Answer 9

i think there should be a balance socialism and conservatism.why cant we help the poor and agressively protect america?why does it have to be one or the other?

Answer 10

It is unworkable for a nation of 308 million people with more and more streaming across the border illegally everyday.  If this country truly turned Socialist we would have nothing more than 308 million poor people (minus the politicians).

Answer 11

If you're living in a country full of fat, lazy, brainwashed, violent ignoramuses who don't care about anything but where the next moment's sleazy entertainment is coming from, yes.

Answer 12

well, first off, they have kind of a hybrid system, not totally socialist... more capitalist with heavy socialist controls... and I'm pretty sure they have democratic elections...

but as you state... it seems to be doing fairly well in many European nations...

it has slightly higher unemployment overall... with slightly slower economic growth (but probably more stable growth)... and overall better health care, higher quality of life and better education... on average...

Answer 13

it is not totally unworkable. when you say socialism i think you are referring to social services (high tax rates, lots of government services) not a managed economy. their economies are still based on capitalism.

they don't have to deal with the crime and immigration problems we have here, plus they don't have to put up much money for a military since we are pledged to defend them. so the comparison is a little unfair.

Answer 14

usa has the highest quality of life.  

i have many friends from norway, they are doing fine now but ten years ago this was not the case.  they are profitting from european union and a great education system.

Answer 15

The UK has very high taxes and offers Universal Health care, yet their money is worth TWICE that of the American Dollar. It costs less to live in Europe compared to America, yet they practice Socialism.

Answer 16

An absolutely socialist system where everyone contributes the same amount and everyone receives the same amount cannot work because greed is too much a part of human nature.  All societies differ to some degree in their greediness, and the socialist societies that seem to be working are not completely socialist, but have found the right balance of collectivism and individualism that works for that society.  Norway's system could not work in the US - we are a different country with a different culture and a different level of inherent greed.

Answer 17

You can shear a sheep every year, but you can slaughter it only once.  Of course it is totally workable.

The problem min the US is that those with the economic power want a fascist ( government support for corporations through military spending)system not a socialist (government support for corporations through citizen services spending) system..