11.3 Social Class Flashcards
What do socialists believe about capitalism?
It creates and reinforces social hierarchies
According to revolutionary socialists Marx, Engels and Luxemburg, what is the only way to solve the problems of social class?
A revolution
What did Marx and Engels perceive capitalists as?
Parasites profiting from the work of an exploited workforce
What did Marx and Engels believe about the state in a capitalist economy?
The state was not neutral but actively reinforced this oppressive relationship via laws, bureaucracy, polices forces and the army
How did Democratic Socialist Beatrice Webb attempt to solve class problems?
By delivering a socialist state which would introduce universal nationalisation: equality of outcome, progressive taxation and a welfare state which would significantly narrow class division
What is ‘utilitarianism’?
A doctrine that states an action is right if it promotes happiness, and that the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people is the most important principle
What did Anthony Crosland think about the nationalisation advocated by Webb?
It compromised the freedom of the individual
What did Crosland believe a socialist state would be?
A ‘dull functional nightmare’
What did Crosland do in an attempt to break down class barriers?
He created comprehensive schools that would break down the social segregation of grammar schools
What is a Giddens quote on education?
‘Investment in education is an imperative of government today, a key basis for the redistribution of possibilities’
