Reformism

Reformism is a position advocating the peaceful reformation or evolution of the capitalist system into socialism by gradual means. Reformism is opposed to revolutionism.

Although reformism was largely opposed by Karl Marx, it gained popularity among opportunist and revisionist figures in the Second International by the 20th century. Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg were adamant in opposing it and advocating a revolutionary trajectory. By the latter half of the 20th century, most reformist socialist had degenerated into anti-communism and abandoned Marxism. Today, reformism is often advocated by academic "Marxists" who base themselves on a petite bourgeois outlook detached from the proletariat.

See also

• Revisionism
  • Evolutionary socialism
  • Eurocommunism
• Democratic socialism
• Social democracy