You can have a socialist democracy, Snap. And that is what much of the EU is. Democratic socialist welfare states.
Socialism does not pertain to companies alone, but to social services as well.
You don't have much of an idea of what socialism is. Have you ever read the communist manifesto? Here's a definition of socialism because it seems as though you need a refresher:
socialism
n 1: a political theory advocating state ownership of industry 2: an economic system based on state ownership of capital
So where are the state owned industries is Sweden, or for that matter, the rest of the EU? Which state owns all of the means of production and distribution? Last time I checked, there can be private accumulation of capital in any EU country. This would not be possible if a country is socialist.
Socialism is an economic system. Just because the government has social welfare programs does not mean to country is socialist.
People around here and around the US love to call european countries socialist becuase it people equate socialism with the USSR (which was not socialist!). It has become a smear for people to use because they are uneducated.
Edit: Here's the
CIA's take on Sweden's economy:
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports.
Is the word socialism used above? nope. I doubt a socialist system would have private ownership of 90% of companies.
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