The breadth and depth of this attraction suggest that it is rooted in some common experience. That experience is childhood. Socialists want food, shelter, education, and medical care provided for everyone.
Families are small socialist societies.
Socialists want to treat everyone like family. Children want things before they learn about money. Socialists believe a government that doesn't give the people what they want is cruel or inefficient. Children believe what they're told. They believe Santa Claus is real and leaders are wise.