Why ‘Socialism’ Is Both a Governing Philosophy and an Offhand Insult

Socialism as a governing philosophy, an offhand insult, or both, is stirring politics again. From the U.S to the U.K. to Brazil and beyond, the term is being newly embraced, debated or disparaged amid larger conversations about rising inequality, the proper role of government, how to make sure capitalism works for average citizens — and what socialism really is, and isn’t.