Socialism isn't a precise definition or a specific program, it's just a general idea, like "democracy". I don't think countries like the Old Communist Bloc were socialist, although they called themselves that. They forbid private enterprise, for example, and I believe people have the right to own property and businesses. On the other hand, I don't think that gives them the right to own me.

My definition, although some socialists might disagree, as well as most people who claim to hate socialism, is that a democratically elected constitutional government has the right and the obligation to vigorously monitor and regulate private business in order to protect the public health, the environment, employee rights (including the right to unionize), safety and the general welfare. Almost all governments do this now, to some extent or another, whether or not they call themselves socialist.

I also believe that a true socialist government also guarantees to its citizens (at public expense if necessary, although of course this may not be practical in all circumstances or situations) health care, education to the ability of the student, retirement benefits, employment for those willing and able to work, and legal representation. Almost all governments do this now, to some extent or another. Or claim to.

Any society where only the rich can get medical treatment, educate themselves to the maximum level they can, retire after a lifetime of useful work, or get their legal rights when accused of a crime is not a free society. Period.

My socialist society would also provide welfare, some sort of social safety net to protect the population from unemployment, natural disaster, poverty, hunger,etc, especially for children. Of course, the government can't do everything, and ometimes it screws up bigtime, and even the best programs can be abused or defrauded, but's that's why we have politicians, cops and social workers.

We have most of these things already, in fact most civilized countries in the world have these things to some extent. It's not that big a deal. But it costs money, and the people who pay don't want to. Of course, when they need help from the government, they are right there with there hand stuck out. There is something you must remember, when the government cannot help you, you have to rely totally on your employer. Think about that.

Now it stands to reason the government can't do everything for us, in fact, the less it does the better. But that is not the same thing as saying the government shouldn't do anything at all. How much it does has to be determined politically, at the ballot box, with those who pay and those who receive debating a compromise they can both live with. It also depends on what the commonwealth can afford.

Don't fall for the old trick of people calling anything they don't like "socialism" and everything they want "freedom". Those people are dangerous and evil, and not to be trusted. They're usually failed businessmen trying to blame someone else for the fact they're still wage slaves.

If you really want to know what people should have, what the government should guarantee to them, I suggest you study these three documents,

The Bill of Rights (USA)
Déclaration des droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen (France)
Declaration of Human Rights (UN)

And remember, they are just documents, not the Word of God. They are not identical, do not agree on all points, and even leave a lot out. But they're a start.