Which of the following best describes socialism as it emerged in the 19th century?

Socialism in the 19th century emerged as a response to the significant social and economic inequalities brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Rapid industrialization created stark disparities between wealthy industrial capitalists and impoverished workers, leading to widespread social unrest. Socialism sought to address these inequalities by advocating for social ownership of the means of production, which means that industries and resources would be owned collectively or by the state rather than by private individuals.

This collective ownership was seen as a way to ensure that wealth and resources would be distributed more equitably among the population, aligning with the egalitarian principles that underpinned socialist thought. Unlike capitalism, which emphasized individual property rights and competition, socialism aimed to create a system where everyone had access to the societal benefits of production, thus promoting a fairer and more just society. This focus on social ownership and addressing the needs of the working class distinctly characterizes socialism as it developed during this period.

Other options reflect misunderstandings of socialism's principles, focusing on individualism and private ownership, which do not align with the core tenets of socialism as it was practiced and theorized in response to the inequalities of the time.