What do we mean by socialism?

The word 'socialism' was the most-searched-for word in Webster's online dictionary in 2015. Self-described socialist Bernie Sanders' campaign for the U.S. Democratic presidential nomination has exceeded all expectations, generating enormous excitement among young people and first-time voters. He has won several key states and broken fund-raising records, mobilising millions with a campaign focused on inequality, remaining a contender long after most commentators expected. The idea of socialism is clearly back on the radar in North America. But what is socialism? Is it the nationalisation of public infrastructure, education and healthcare, the common ownership of all the wealth, or something else? What do we mean when we talk about socialism, and what would be necessary for us to get it? Join this discussion group hosted by the International Socialists Ottawa.