There is a somewhat different use of the word socialism, according to which it means the deliberate adoption of such an organization of society as will rid it of competition altogether. This is a complete social and philosophic ideal, involving the consistent reorganization of all society, and is very different from the mere socialistic tendency described above. In the early part of the century, Robert Owen developed a philosophy which led him to labor for the introduction of communities in which competition should be entirely superseded by joint action. He had many adherents then, and others since have held similar views. There has, indeed, been a series of more or less short-lived attempts to found societies or communities on this socialistic basis. Apart from these efforts, however, socialism in this sense belongs to the history of thought or philosophic speculation, not of actual economic and social development. Professed socialists, represented by the Fabyan Society, the Socialist League, the Social Democratic Federation, and other bodies, are engaged in the spread of socialistic doctrines and the encouragement of all movements of associative, anti-individualistic character rather than in efforts to introduce immediate practical socialism.
91. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Webb, Sidney and Beatrice: The History of Trade Unionism. This excellent history contains, as an Appendix, an extremely detailed bibliography on its own subject and others closely allied to it.
Howell, George: Conflicts of Labor and Capital.
Rousiers, P. de: The Labour Question in Britain.
Holyoake, G. I.: History of Coöperation, two volumes. This is the classical work on the subject, but its plan is so confused, its style so turgid, and its information so scattered, that, however amusing it may be, it is more interesting and valuable as a history of the period than as a clear account of the movement for which it is named. Mr. Holyoake has written two other books on the same subject: A History of the Rochdale Pioneers and The Coöperative Movement of To-day.
Pizzamiglio, L.: Distributing Coöperative Societies.
Jones, Benjamin: Coöperative Production.
Gilman, N. P.: Profit Sharing between Employer and Employee; and A Dividend to Labor.
Webb, Sidney and Beatrice: Problems of Modern Industry.