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Unit 4 Social Institutions
Mixed Economic Systems
Most nations fall between the extremes of capitalism and so- cialism and include elements of both economic systems. Countries in Western Europe, for example, have developed cap- italist economic systems in which both public and private own- ership play important roles. In these nations, highly strategic industries (banks, transportation, communications, and some others) are owned and operated by the state. Other industries are privately owned but are more closely regulated than in the United States (Harris, 1997; Ollman, 1998).
As the former Soviet Union lost control over its republics and Eastern Europe, many of these formerly socialist countries began to move toward capitalism. Czechoslovakia, in several ways, has shifted from public to private ownership of businesses. Private property nationalized after the Russians took over in 1948 has been returned to the original owners or their heirs. These assets moved from the public to the private sector are valued at about $5 billion. Many small shops and businesses have been sold in public auctions. In 1992, Czechoslovakia sold over 1,000 of its bigger state enterprises to its citizens. During 1992–93 as it broke into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, 25 percent of the nations’ assets were privatized. In Hungary, state-owned enterprises have been allowed to become privately owned companies. Over one
million Hungarians have been given the right to buy land, businesses, build- ings, or other property taken over by the Russians in 1949. Nearly all of the state-owned small businesses are now in the hands of private owners. Agricultural cooperatives have also been privatized (Schnitzer, 2000).
In 1993, Cuba’s communist party allowed some degree of capitalism by permitting plumbers, carpenters, and other tradespeople to work for profit. China has been incorporating moderate free market reforms into its economy since the late 1970s (Muldavin, 1999).
Section 3 Assessment
1. Government policies are usually based on cultural values. Can you identify important differences in the cultural values underlying governmental policies that promote either capitalism or socialism?
2. How successful has socialism been as an economic system? Defend your answer.
3. What is meant by a mixed economic system?
Critical Thinking
4. Making Comparisons Briefly compare and contrast the advantages of capitalism and socialism.
As this Shanghai Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant reflects, elements of capitalism are being introduced into China.