The difference between anarcho-syndicalism and anarcho-communism

[Mälli]

This might sound stupid, but i would just like to know what are the main differences between anarcho-syndicalism and anarcho-communism? I know the work ways of sydicalists ofcourse, but i have not fully understoon how the anarcho communist way works.

Thanks!

[Искра]

Well, the most of anarcho-syndicalists are anarcho-communists (we fight for libertarian communist society).

The biggest difference is that many anarcho-communist do not support "big general strike and than into a revolution" concept.

[Mälli]

Ok, thanks!

[Forward Union]

Different traditions.

Anarcho syndicalism comes from the anti-political tradition of syndicalism. Anti-political because it has never had any interest in forming political demands or proposals, or with working inside of parliament. The original syndicalists wanted to form an independent labour government that would rival the bourgeois one for sovereignty. One main feature is that, in plain syndicalist theory; strong unions would be able to topple the old state and also build a new one, without any political focus. The unions would simply become the new government.

Anarcho Syndicalism is a development from this, very similar except that the Unions should have some political demands, and also ought to form a non-hierarchical society after destroying the state through general strike.

Anarcho-Communism, is simply a Communist political tradition that evolved separately of Authorotarian Marxism.

The main difference is that the Communists believe in forming an Anarchist Political organisation, which may or maynot have influence within unions. It's essentially an Anarchist Party. It's designed simply to promote it's theoretical ideas and perform actions which increase support for itself. Whereas syndicalists believe in forming a non-political labour union (although unitary anarcho syndicalists do believe in forming a political labour union (like, you would have to be an Anarchist to join), but i dont think there have been many with a membership higher than 100 members), which will create a general strike and overthrow capitalism.

[rebelmouse]

what is not clear about anarcho-communist society?
or maybe methods to reach such society are not clear?
as I know, anarcho-communism can be realized/reached with anarcho-syndicalists methods. anarcho-communism is the aim, final "product" (functioning of distribution of wealth/goods among members of society). it is society in which people will contribute to society how much they can and they will get from society how much they need. other anarchists would have some other methods of participation/work and distribution of goods, etc.

[rebelmouse]

The biggest difference is that many anarcho-communist do not support "big general strike and than into a revolution" concept.

I am anarcho-communist and I don't see any problem if we make revolution through general strike, or any other method, important is that we come to the point to abolish the state and exploitation.

[The Ungovernable Farce]

This article explains why the anarcho-communist group I'm in don't see ourselves as syndicalists: http://www.afed.org.uk/publications/short-texts/30-the-union-makes-us-strong-syndicalism-a-critical-analysis.html

[Искра]

This article explains why the anarcho-communist group I'm in don't see ourselves as syndicalists: http://www.afed.org.uk/publications/short-texts/30-the-union-makes-us-strong-syndicalism-a-critical-analysis.html
Thank you very much for this. :thumbup1:
As anarcho-syndicalist, I like to read good critics. I'll quote/replay when I finish reading it.