There are a variety of different interpretations of socialism, but most socialists agree on five key characteristics:1. Social ownership of the means of production: In a socialist economy, the government owns the factories, farms, and other businesses, and workers are paid according to their productivity.2. Central planning: In a socialist economy, the government makes all economic decisions, including what to produce, how to produce it, and who gets to consume it.3. Equal distribution of resources: In a socialist economy, everyone gets an equal share of the resources, regardless of their contribution to the economy.4. Workers' self-management: In a socialist economy, workers have the right to elect their own leaders and to make decisions about their own work.5. Free access to education and healthcare: In a socialist economy, everyone has the right to a free education and free healthcare.