p The abolition of private ownership of the means of production and of the conditions for the exploitation of man by man greatly affects the nature of society’s progress, which becomes qualitatively different.

p As distinct from exploiting society, under socialism the progressive development affects all the working sections of the country, all classes and social groups. Moreover, socialism, for the first time, gives rise to conditions making it possible to bridge the gap that arose under the previous systems between the level of development of the various classes and strata in society. Under socialism, in particular, the considerable differences between town and country, between mental and manual labour are being gradually overcome.

p Socialist society creates, for the first time, the conditions necessary for closing the gap in the development level of different nationalities. Thanks to all-round assistance from the technically developed nations, the formerly backward countries that were still at the stage of feudalism or even of the primitive-communal system bypass capitalism and start building socialism. They are mastering modern science, engineering and other 518 achievements of human culture, thus joining the ranks of the industrialised nations.

p Harmonious development is a major feature of progress in socialist society, which being all- embracing in nature, more or less evenly affects all the spheres of society’s life.

p In contrast to class-antagonistic society, where booms alternate with recessions and regressive changes, progress in socialist society is continuous and unlimited. The domination of socialist ownership of the means of production creates virtually unlimited possibilities for improving all aspects of society’s life.

p Furthermore, since in socialist society progressive development corresponds to the interests of all of its members, the masses take a most active part in it. This, in particular, explains the growing tempo of social development and the accelerated movement forward. “... Only socialism,” Lenin wrote, “will be the beginning of a rapid, genuine, truly mass forward movement, embracing first the majority and then the whole of the population, in all spheres of public and private life.”  [518•1 

p Planning is another specific feature of progress under socialism. Under previous economic systems there were no objective conditions for cognising and consciously applying social laws, which operated spontaneously and destructively, in the interests of progressive development. It is only 519 socialist society that provides such an opportunity. Under socialism, Engels noted, “the extraneous objective forces that have hitherto governed history pass under the control of man himself. Only from that time will man himself, with full consciousness, make his own history...".  [519•1 

Such are the specific features of progress under socialism and communism, showing that this is progress of a new type.