How does socialism primarily differ from communism?

The distinction between socialism and communism is primarily rooted in their approaches to economic and governmental structures. Communism is characterized by the central government's control over virtually all means of production and major industries. This means that in a communist system, the government owns the facilities that produce goods and services, and there is little to no room for private ownership. The overarching goal is to create a classless society where goods and resources are distributed according to individual needs rather than market dynamics.

In contrast, socialism can allow for a mix of public and private ownership. While it emphasizes wealth distribution and social welfare, socialist systems might retain some level of private enterprise and market mechanisms, although often with regulations that aim to ensure equity and community well-being.

Understanding this distinction clarifies why the focus on government ownership of production facilities is at the heart of understanding communism's framework.