The term "social market economy" refers to an economic system that balances free market principles with social welfare policies. Some synonyms for this term include "mixed economy," "regulated capitalism," "social capitalism," and "hybrid economy." These terms all convey the idea that the economy is guided by both market forces and social policies, and that the government plays a role in ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared fairly among all citizens. Other related terms include "democratic capitalism," "market socialism," and "welfare capitalism," all of which describe different variations of an economic system that seeks to balance economic efficiency with social equity and justice.