Socialists are individuals or groups who advocate for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production. They believe that resources and industries should be managed collectively to promote equality and reduce economic disparities. Socialism can take various forms, including democratic socialism and Marxism, each with different approaches to achieving these goals. The core idea of socialism is to prioritize the welfare of the community over individual profit. This often involves policies like universal healthcare, free education, and workers' rights. Prominent figures associated with socialism include Karl Marx and Bernie Sanders, who have influenced modern socialist thought and movements.