Capitalism vs. Socialism: Are We Testing the Boundaries?

##### Capitalism vs. Socialism: Are We Testing the Boundaries?

Pre-reads

Socialism definition
Capitalism and socialism are often presented as opposing economic systems, yet in practice their ideas and policies frequently overlap. People across the political spectrum differ not only in their views of these systems, but also in how they define them and recognize them at work in everyday life.

At this meeting, we’ll explore how people understand capitalism and socialism, how these systems—or elements of them—show up in different countries and policies, and how they shape lived experience. Rather than debating labels, we’ll focus on how economic systems influence daily life, opportunity, and tradeoffs.

We’ll explore questions such as:

• How do you understand the differences between capitalism and socialism?
• Where do you see elements of capitalism or socialism showing up in everyday life?
• What countries come to mind when you think of capitalist or socialist systems, and why?
• How, in your view, do these systems approach ideas like freedom, risk, reward, and shared responsibility?
• How do you see economic systems shaping daily life for individuals and families?

Before this meeting, please take a few minutes to watch the videos below, which explain

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrmimbzkSAg
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdfru9NHGvE

This conversation will offer an opportunity to explore different perspectives and engage respectfully on how economic systems—and the ideas behind them—shape daily life.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

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