Socialism Prep Flashcards
Socialist View
Civil society is not a collection of individuals but a collection of social classes. Believe in a fundamental equality that is disrupted by class differences. Strive for equality of outcome, not equality of opportunity.
Human Nature
Naturally cooperative, productive, and rational. Want to do satisfying creative work.
What would a socialist say to crime in Canada?
They would say that the exploitation brought about by the ruling capitalists system is at fault because the working class lacks the power to improve their condition in a class divided society. The ruling capitalist system has let the criminals fall through the cracks of society.
Socialist evaluation of current system
Socialists believe that because one class holds all the power to limit the choices of the other classes, the system is inherently unjust and exploitative. If class control was spread out or if there was one class the issues would go away. This can only happen if the means of production is shared.
What is a key component to achieving a classless society?
Class consciousness. For a capitalist to see the error of their ways, they must first understand that their class is in control of exploiting the working class. It is only when the workers realize that they are a part of a large oppressed group that they can free themselves.
Eduard Bernstein
Bernstein believed that some of Marxs reasoning for the vanguard was flawed because significant improvement to workers lives had been made since Marxs passing. Namely unionizing and employment insurance. Bernstein promoted the more gradual reform towards socialism that we now as democratic socialism. Democratic socialism includes democratic process at government level but involves redistribution of wealth and workers managing themselves.
Environmentalism and socialism
Environmentalism and socialism go hand in hand because just like how socialists see classes rather than individuals, environmentalists see humans as part of the web of nature. Humanity is essentially another class of nature. A class that is responsible to protecting nature due to human intelligence and the socialist despise of exploitation. if socialism and environmentalism were to unite, the entire planet would prosper.
