Final answer:
The main difference between capitalist and socialist ideologies lies in the ownership and control of the means of production, with socialism advocating for state control to promote social welfare and capitalism emphasizing individual property rights and minimal government interference.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal difference between capitalist and socialist ideologies is C) The ownership and control of the means of production. Capitalism prioritizes individual property rights, economic freedom, and competition, with minimal government interference in the economy, whereas socialism emphasizes the redistribution of wealth through state control over the means of production to promote social welfare. Socialists argue that capitalism can cause economic inequality and that government intervention is necessary to ensure equitable distribution of resources. In socialism, essential services like healthcare, education, and utilities may be universally provided by the state, while in capitalism, these services are often subject to market forces and private ownership.