2.3- Socialism

Question 1

What is collectivism?
Why do socialists support collectivism?
What 5 key areas does it express itself in practically
Is it in decline?

Answer 1

It forms one of the core values in socialism and acts as an informing value which other ideas stem off of.

It maintains that humans can achieve their objects (whether this be economic, social or political) more effectively through working as a collective, as opposed to as an individual. IT is the only way to allow for a transformation in society.

There are two core aspects to their support-

• Moral
• The interests of a group should take priority over self interest. It encourages social unity and a sense of social social reasonability

-Practically it utilises the potential of society, not allowing for wastefulness and the limitations of an individual contribution under a capitalist system.

Most call for state intervention and start planning to promote this value and allow for greater and fairer redistribution of goods- as to not allow they to the unscrupulous force of the free market. Through state expansion, principals can be reached.

Housing- Subsidised and provided by local government
Industrial relations- TU organise workers to allow for power gaining working rights
Health care- National system that is funded on taxation
Industry- key industry under state control
Eduction - the state runs the system

Less emphasis has been placed on it since the 1970s. due to a growing ideas that in collectivism creates a dependancy culture and an economic sector that lacks a dynamic aspect to it. The end of the Cold War acted as a stifle to its support. TO put it in the words of Francis Fukuyama it was the “End of history”.

Question 2

What is the socialist view on human nature and how does this inform there ideas about collectiveness

Answer 2

Socialist views on human nature argue that humans are social animals. They prefer to live in groups, rather than individuals. This allows humans to have the capacity, and is actually rooted in their very nature, for collective action.

They also argue that we are socialised into our human nature- our circumstances mould our nature. People can only be defined or understood in tears of ones social groups. Ergo the membership of a community offers freedom and fulfilment.

The human cannot be understood without understanding the society.

Question 3

How do Marxists and moderate socialists differ inter views on collectivism

Answer 3

Marxists and state socialists advocate for collective action, through a centralised state that allows and organises production and distribution. IN the USSR most industries were nationalised and all agricultural land was collectivised to allow for an industrial society, using a collectivist economic approach to allow for development. Many other communist regimes followed similar paths.

Moderate socialists allow for some free market capitalism in the economy and use collectivism in a more moderate sense. The 1945-51 Labour government nationalised some industry- coal, electricity and iron and steel- but allowed for much of the economy to remain in private hands

Question 4

What are the issues with collectivism

Answer 4

It is quite a hard concept to pin down- it can be used In a variety of ways. IT has been applied to self governing communities- such as those based on Robert Owen and Charles Fourier- general opposition to individualism and a system of state controlled economy and even society.

The two basic criticisms are that-

• IT surpasses human individuality and diversity
• It can only be advanced through agency of the state and leads to the growth of what many consider an arbitrary state powers, which erodes peoples freedoms.

Question 5

What is common humanity?

How does this influence views on motivation and the state?

Answer 5

The belief in common humanity is based on assumptions on their belief in human nature, it relies on sociability. People who cooperate rather than compete form connections based on understanding, respect and mutual support and they channel this into a group, rather than that of an individual. Completion on the other hand is wasteful and promotes social divisions, as well as conflict. In a free market sensei pits humans against each other and disregards their common humanity. It encourages self-centredness.

They believe human motivation does not come from material conditions (at least entirely), but rather a moral view of their role in society. People should work hard to improve society, due to a sense of greater responsibility- especially to the least fortunate.

Material gains should still be Linked to a moral incentive, a coopperative effort to boost economic growth for example (it creates better living standards, but also provides funding for the poor and vulnerable, through taxation)

Fit has led to a belief in an interventionist state- they agree that the state should be used to benefit people in a collectivist sense. Social democrats would argue this in a more limited sense. Corbyn for example has suggested a cooperative bank for investment.

Question 6

What do socialists believe equality ensure and how do views differ on each to these points (if relevant)

Answer 6

Fairness
Economic inequality is due to structural inequalities that are created by a capitalist society, ability is not the driving force. This leads to a rejection of equality of opportunity, as it justifies unequal treatment. This reflects a belief in a potential for equality. Other socialists may retain that inequality is inevitable to some point, as we have different talents. They argue that an egalitarian approach to ensure people are treated more equally, in terms of the material. Formal political and legal equality is comprised without this, as with capitalism structural inequality is inevitable.

Collectivism-
Humans are more likely to co-exist harmoniously in a society for a common economic good if they share the same conditions. For example Swedens social equality, based on wealth re-distribution. Socialists will argue that this had lead t the stability, cohesion and output of Sweden. On the other hand, inequality allows for conflict and instability- people are divided into the haves and have nots. Eventually the have nots will revolt, in protest against their conditions, as Happened in Russia and Mexico 1910-19120

A satisfaction of basic human needs
These are essential to a feeling of commitment. As everyone’s basic needs as the same- shelter, food ect- a redistribution allows to promote human fulfilment and reach potential. The free market cannot allocate wealth fairly, so only the state can be used as a redistributive force.

Question 7

Where do debates about equality (generally) arise. What do both sides propose

Answer 7

A debate arises on the extent to which economic and social equality can and should be achieved- it is in many ways about the state.

Revolutionary socialists, such as marxists,, demands absolute equality- in regards of the material and opportunity. It can only be controlled can only be guaranteed by controller distribution of goods and service, the abolition of private property and the common ownership of the means of production. The state exercises common ownership and supervises the distribution of resources to prevent the return of inequality

Social democrats call fo r animated approach- to achieve limited equality. They call on doing this through welfare, spending and progressive taxation. They are more focus don removing absolute poverty and a certain level of inequality can be tolerated if this is achieved. The state does not own or control the means of production rather it holds the role to adjust distribution to narrow differences in wealth and life chances. They seek to reform rather than rather than abolish capitalism. and maintain material incentives, as they do play a large role in motivation. It is flexible enough to embrace equality of opportunity.

Question 8

What are socialist beliefs on common ownership

Answer 8

Socialists endorse common ownership, as private property (including wealth and capital) creates issues:

• As wealth is created in communal endeavours, it should be owned collectively
• Private portray encourages materialism and fosters false belief that achievement of wealth will bring fulfilment
• It creates conflict between workers and owners- the haves and have nots

Some have argued that private property should be entirely abolished and replaced with common ownership. In the USSR the stalinist regime implemented such common ownership by bringing the entire economy under state control. More moderate socialists have allowed for more limited state control regimes, for examples, the coal mines, railways and steel making. Less emphasis Is now put on this.

Question 9

What are the socialist disagreements about the nature of inequality

Answer 9

Equality of outcome
- This maintains that rewards should be on the basis of contribution. Since this varies some inequality will exist- the differences will not be as great as in the free market. It is all about levelling peoples outcome, to allow for a less unequal society. Tends to be supported by fundamentals to remote free markets influence, rejected by third way as it is artificial levelling.

• Absolute equality
  Based on the notion of the same rewards, one the basis they have some contribution to society. Over time we will make broadly the same contribution. Supported by marxists, but some believe it to be destabilising.

Opportunity
- everyone can have the equal choice to make the best of their ability. This is an attempt to level the playing field, where hard work and attitude plays the role. Third way supports. Marxists do not, as does not remove capitalisms, structural inequalities.

Equality of welfare.
- Accepts some unequal nature of human society, but maintains that everyone is entitled to have a minimum standard of living, guaranteed by state welfare. Social Dems and Third way support as it has a safety net. Marxists reject as it does not seek to remove capitalism.

Question 10

What do some people reject social equality proposed by socialists

Answer 10

• It is unjust- treating everyone the same does not reward skill and hard work
• It lowers motivation, ambition and incentive, this leads to economic underperformance
• It redirects the liberties of the individual- IT can only be implemented through extensive state intervention and control
• It stifles diversity an individuality, colourless uniformity

Question 11

What do socialists believe about social class

Answer 11

The existence of social class explains the most impotent divides in society, rather than actions. It helps understand understanding of politic and social development.

People with the same class generally have the same outlook and aims, and they act as the principal agent for change (marxists would argue the conflict between classes is the driving force for change_

It both wants to improve the life of and represent the working class- this is an ideological commitment. The working class provides a means for brining about a transformation Ito society and the economy. IT is not viewed as essential or evaluating, it is sought to eradicate or minimise it.

Question 12

How do we categorise social class- advertising model, Marxists, British Election study

Answer 12

• For communist the devision is clear between the proletariat and the bourgeoise. The producer of wealth and the seller of the labour to survive.

Advertisers use Six categories

A1- High managerial professional
B- intermediate managerial, professional
C1- Supervisory, Clerical
C2- Skilled manual worker
D- Semi skilled and unskilled manual worker
E- State pensioner, casual worker, unemployed

British election study shows a distinction between owners and mangers and the the petite bourgeoise and the working class

Most now say class markers less-

Question 13

What do socialist disagree abouton the importance of class

Answer 13

Marxists emphasis the importance of the class between capital and labour. A persons class is defined by their relationship to the means of production. The conflict is inevitable between the owners of productive wealth and those who have to sell their labour to survive.

Under capitalism the state becomes and instrument of class rule with the Bourgeoise using the insidious- such as political and legal systems and the police- to maintain dominance. This class conflict grows in intensity and leads to a divide between the haves and have notes that will inevitable lead to a proletarian revolution that overthrows the capitalist state- it will only with away when the workers gains have been consolidated and social class is eradicated in a classless, equal society.

Social democrats, however, define class in more fluid terms, emphasising differences. betters non-metal and manual occupations. They tend to argue that socialists objectives and be removed through state intervention. It is not an instrument of oppressive class rule, rather provides a system to allow for socialist aims. Social democrats argue for class consciousness and a peaceful social movement.

Question 14

How has modernity impacted class ideas in socialist thinking

Answer 14

The ideologies link to class politics has weakened.

The decline in class politics, reflected though the social democrats view, has been a consequence of significant changes in the economy, such as deindustrialisation and the rise of the service sector.

Deindustrialisation has led to a significant decline of staple industries which created a culture of working class support. It undermines solidarity and has reduced the size f the manual workforce and the power of trade unions. It has created post industrial societies with service based economies and expanding middle classes

Due to this moderate socialist parties have adapted to appeal further. They now focus on progressive’s ideas.

Question 15

What is workers control? What are its influences?

Answer 15

Workers control refers to ownership (complete or part) of the economic enterprise of the people employed at said enterprise. IT can be used in a general politicised sense to mean the workers control of the state. It has influenced many idea such as marxism and syndicalism. It covers a range of schemes to sum to provide workers with a full democratic control over their places of employment. They go beyond the right to be consulted, bus seeking to establish relationships decision making power for workers.

Question 16

Why do socialists believe in workers control, what are the devisions.

Answer 16

IT promotes the socialite belief on collective effort and collectivism. Some argue that human potential can be maximised, by combatting alienation at the workplace and undermines the commodity of the workers

Secondly it has significant implications for the economy. Workers and key factors in production and thus have the rights to the means of control. Workers control dilute or replace capitalist control- French syndicalists called for the overthrow of capitalism, calling for the introduction of workers control of the economy, based on trade unions and working class political insidious.

IT creates contrasting views in terms of the role of the state. Syndicalists are hostile, as it is a system of capitalist oppression and an inefficient bureaucratic structure, incapable of creating real reform, So they call on the state to be removed by a body of workers control based on a federation of trade union bodies. British guild socialism was internally divided over the role off the state- some wanted in its existing reforms, some wanted it changed.

It is an important step towards s socialist society. moderate workers control at one end(With trade union power and influence) produces a method of creating this into our current structure. On the end some believe in a. self management (such as the workers councils in Yugoslavia in the 1950s and 60s) to life the conditions of the working class

Question 17

Why do some criticise workers control

Answer 17

They are uptown and fail to acknowledge the risk takers and investors, as well as workers. According the this view, workers often lack entrepreneurial attributes needed fo success, they comprise the economic possibility’s and create volatility in the work place.

Question 18

What happened in the Russian revolution

Answer 18

The Russian economy collapsed under strain of WW1-

Factory committees were establishes to surpass or replace managers to maintain productions. BY 1917 it held around 40% of the Russian working class

• Bolsheviks issued the decree on workers control- NOV 2017- it gave more power to committees
• Lenin was forced that committees would into allow for directives. By 1918 he took steps to curb pioneers, they later merged with trade unions under firm control

Question 19

What was guild socialism.

Answer 19

EMERGED IN 20TH century Britain and gained support during WW1 due to a rise of left wing shop stewards movement, which called for workers control of war industry

They advocated state ownership of industry and workers control by delegating authority to democratic national guilds

It collapsed in the 1920s– but stimulated debate in labour

Question 20

What is syndicalism

Answer 20

• Militant trade union ground that began in the 1890s and influenced by George Sorel’s thinking’s got direct action and use of general strike to secure working class objectives
• Once a general strike had destroyed baptist order they envisaged a system where each industry would be run by trade reunions and political institutions. The state would be replaced by workers control based on a federation of trade unions

They influenced the development of Labour organisations in USA, Italy and Spain in 20th century

Question 21

What is revolutionary socialism? Why Is it supported

Answer 21

Revolutionary socialism rejects the use of democratic methods to create a socialist society. Popular in the 19th century it formed a revolutionary road into the socialism that was popular as:

• The early development of industrialisation and capitalism Brough poverty, exploitation and unemployment which was expected to radicalise the working class
• As the workers were not part of the political nation, their influence in policy was limited if not non existence. Since government industry is dominated by the upper classes it is not a try democracy and can’t be.

Socialism through revolution is also based on the idea of the state is a bourgeois is an instrument of class oppression that defends capitalist interests. The ruling class’ primacy is reinforced through key institutions such as the state, media, finance and parliament. Gradual change cannot lead to a genuinely socialist system as the values of the ruling class are too entrenched in said institutions. for example capitalists infiltrate movements to blunt out radicalism

It calls for a total transformation of society, the existing state has to be uprooted and replaced with new insidious. It can lead to violence as the ruling class is often not willing to give up power. This violence can be seen in Russia 1918-21 China 1946-49 and Mexico 1910-20

Any attempt to humanise capitalism, a system based on inequality and exploitation, would undermine the principals and objectives of socialism,

After WWII it was adopted by many liberation movements, for example Mao in china, the Viet song and Cuba. The concluded that it was the inly viable way to remove colonial powers and dismantle outdates social and economic systems. The intention was a desire for rapid modernisation to enable these societies to catch up with the more prosperous nations. It usually results in fundamentalist regimes, such as that of the soviet union, China and Cambodia. It also encourages the establishment of rigid hierarchal parties that remove all opposition. The cold war’s end Brough much end to this view- “the end of history”- Francis Fukuyama

Question 22

What is social democracy and what do they believe? What is it history

Answer 22

Social democracy emerged after 1945 as western socialist parties embraced a more electorally entered approach, and switched to a reformation of capitalism.

IT attempts to reconcile free market capitalism with state intervention based on three ideas:

• Although capitalist systems are creators of wealth, its distribution is unfair-
• State intervention can protect the public and remedy the weaknesses of capitalism
• Peaceful and conditional methods should be used

It is focus on the fair distribution of wealth in society, focusing on social justice It rests on a more rather than marxist superiority critique. CHRISTIAN principal even inform its ideas- with the UK’s christian socialist tradition and Liberation theology in Latin America. It can encompass a variety of methods.

ITS ORGINS can seen in the late 19th century, when people saw Marx thinking as flawed. Eduard Bernstein published a revisionist study, evolutionary socialism in 1899 which argued capitalism was not developing upon marxist lines, it was proving resilient and adaptable, rather than only creating crises and ever deep class devisions..

He argued, for example, joint stock companies had widened the ownership of wealth through shareholders, rather than concentrating it at fewer capitalists. He concluded it was not brutally exploitative but can be reformed through peaceful electoral politics, with state control of key industries and legal safeguards, as well as welfare to protect workers.

This gained popularity in the 20th century, where people recognised the free markets benefit. The Swedish social democratic Labour Party and west German social Democratic Party made this shift clear in the 1930s and 1950s.

Question 23

How has social democracy changed? What did crossland think?

Answer 23

Social democracy now adopts a more limited programme with three key ideas-

• Support for a mixed economy of both state and privately owned property, with only key industries nationalised.
• Keynesiasm is the means which to regulate capitalism
• We should reform capitalism mainly through the welfare state

Anthony Crosland put forward the case for social democracy in his book the future of socialism in 1956 where he argued that a new class of salaries managers, technocrats and officials now have control of industry, away from the old ideas of the Bourgeoise. Profit was only one objective, there are now other concerns such as employer worker relations and protection of business operations. He argued it was no longer a system of oppression, so state control was not needed at the same level. Social justice was instead needed and he stressed the need of the redistributive welfare state funded by progressive tax. Be argued economic growth would sustain it and more tac meant a greater living standards of living for everyone.

It flourished in post 1945 Britain. However it relies on possible conflicts. BY viewing market economics as the only secure way to create wealth, the concede that capitalism could be reformed, but not removed. However it calls on the distributive ideas of socialism

It acts as a balancing act of both economic efficiency and egalitarianism. The tension helped delver a post war poor of high employment, low inflation and rising living standards.

However a sharp economic downturn in the 1970s and 80s exposed this tension. Welfare demands increased and social support for tax based funding declined. They faced a dilemma, reducing taxes to stimulate the economy or prioritise the welfare. A choice of market vs people. Socialism vs capitalism. Shifts to post industrial economies also posed issues as it lost much of its moving base and the collapse of the east also did. - the rejection of the east caused many to reject other forms of socialism

Question 24

What is the third way? How did it form

Answer 24

Partly as a respond eta the issues of social democracy, from the 1980s many shifted their ideological stance from traditional principal of social democracy to a third way or Neo-revisionism. This was an ideological alternative that helped show an alternative, in the context of a globalised world. Many argue whether it is at all socialist.

Question 25

What does the third way believe - 5 principals.

Answer 25

-The primacy of the market over the state
It accepts this and rejects top down state intervention.They accept globalisation and the knowledge economy where information and communication tech snores cooperativeness and productivity. By embracing the market economy it is linked Seth Neo-liebralim. Under new labour for example the private sector become involved in the provision of private fiancé initiatives and public private partnership. It downplays the socialist policy of redistribution

-Value of community and moral responsibility
This is where it distances itself from the perceived moral and social downside of Neo liberal economics. The try to solve this tension by linking communitarian and liberal ideas- as New labour tried to. It results on a communitarian liberalism that emphasises that personal autonomy operates within a communal context based on mutual dependance and benefits, balancing rights with responsibilities. For example parental involvement with schools and welfare provisions are base on this

-A social model based on consensus and harmony  
This clearly differs from traditional socialists focus on class differences. They see no contraction in endorsing wha may be seen as contrasting concepts. They champion self reliance and mutual dependancy and market economy and fairness.

-Social inclusion
They have shifted away from commitment to equality to endorse the concept of social inclusion- people can only fully participate fully by acquiring the appropriate skills, rights and opportunities. They emphasise equality of opportunity with the benefits of a meritocratic system. It does not oppose individual wealth, it helps to prosperity of society. Welfare should target marginalised and provide pope the assistance the need- “a hand up, not a hand out” as Blair put it. They want people to be seeking employment.

A competition or market state
They see a different view of the state function option for completion to develop national workforce’s skills and knowledge base. Social investment means the completion states emphasis on the importance of education to improve job prospects and boosts job prospects- “Education, Education, Education”

It was electorally successful, but many criticise it due to its lack of socialist commitment. It was essentially a rebrand to appeal to the middle class and business after many defeats- this dissolution helps explain Corbyn.

There ideas have influenced many left of centre parties, SDP (Germany) and ANC (South Africa). It helps promote social justice and improved those most disadvantaged- for example maintenance grants, the minimum wage and family tax credits.

Question 26

Summarise the beliefs an differences about and in socialist thinking on Human nature

Answer 26

They have a positive view of human nature, people are social, cooperative and rational.

HUMAN Behaviour is socially determined and people work naturally together. This helps us form connections and harness capabilities of whole communities and experience growth.

Marxists maintain that only true cooperation can be liberated through the removed of a capitalist system

Question 27

Summarise the beliefs an differences about and in socialist thinking on the state

Answer 27

Marxism believes the state to be an instrument of class rule- an apparatus to maintain dominance. it will wither away once communism establishes classless societies. in practice they have used centralised states to organise production and distribution, as well are control,

On the other hand social democrats argue the a limited state intervention in social and economic affairs can safeguard the public from the issues of capitalism.

Third Way supported adopt a more sceptical attitude to the state, seeing problems in top down approaches- lack of effectiveness ect. The state should focus on social investment and infrastructure and education to promote self reliance

Question 28

Summarise the beliefs an differences about and in socialist thinking on society

Answer 28

Traditionally socialists have seen society as being characterised as mainly by class and economic divisions.

Marxists argue that class conflict is what dominates capitalism. Only communism can bring about classlessness.

Social democrats rend to view it more fluidly- inequality exist, but socialism differences be be rescued through peaceful ideas such as welfare and redistribution schemes. Social democrats also recognise the de-industrialisation and a service economy has lead to a decreased sense of class - and an increasing middle class.

The third way rejects traditional socialist emphasis on class issues and inequality, rather opting for harmony and social inclusion

Question 29

Summarise the beliefs an differences about and in socialist thinking on the economy

Answer 29

Most socialists call for some intervention in the economy, as profit driven markets create unfair distribution.

Marxists and state socialists advocate for replacing capitalism with a centrally planned economy, based on common ownership of the means of production. Under communism economic production will be determined by need.

Social democrats accept a degree of capitalism and prefer a mixed economy. They endorse Keynesian economic interventionist ideas to regulate capitalism. and maintain employment.. they also support welfare based redistributive methods.

Neo revisionists accept the primacy of the free market- as it is the most efficient method and leads to economic benefits for everyone and encourages desirable personal qualities such as responsibilities. It rejects state intervention as they believe it stop investment and stops entrepreneurial initiative.

Question 30

What did Marx and Engels believe

Answer 30

Key ideas

• Social class is central to socialism
• Human nature is socially determined and can only be expressed under communist

The most famous revolutionary socialists have numerous influential works- such as the communist manifesto and Capital. They believed social class is central to socialism and underpins three ideas in marxism

• Historical Materialism- this maintains that historical and social development can be explained in terms of economic and class factors. The economic system influences the conditions of all aspects of life
• dialectical change is a process of development that occurs between conflict between two sides. They thought in history dialectal change is propelled between the struggle between the exploited and exploiters and this only ends with a socialist system.

Class consciousness is needed fo rah e oppressed to overthrow their oppressors. Before a revolution there has to a realisation of the proletariat is a class for itself, aware of its interests and and wants to pursue them.

They viewed humans as social beings. Nature acts as the primary force. People are sociable, rational and cooperative, capable of leading satisfying lives based on fulfilling work in free creative production. Under capitalism such conditions do not exist, so humans can’t reach their full potential. SO we must have a communist society with no property, class, state and devisions between mental and physical labour. We will become fully developed without them, in cooperation

Question 31

What did Beatrice Webb believe

Answer 31

Key ideas

• The inevitability of gradualness- passing socialism in democratic forms
• The expansion of the state will deliver socialism.

The daughter of an industrialist, she was an early member of the fabian society. With Sidney Webb she wrote a number of works, such as, ‘a condition for the socialist commonwealth of Great Britain’ , ‘the decay of a capitalist civilisation’ and ‘soviet communism, a new civilisation’.

She rejected Marx’s ideas about class struggle, instead opting for an inevitability of gradualness, where she believed a new mass age of democratic politics would lead to policies in the interests of working class. This move would be sped up by presenting reasoned arguments and research to show the efficiency of socialism.

At first she rejected the idea of a working class party and focused on spreading her ideas amount leaders of other ideologies. She thought the average voter was limited, selfish and ill informed, so rejected direct democracy and direct workers control. She preferred representative democracy as it lead to a skilled governing class subject to democratic constraints.

They believed the states expansion was needed to create socialism. The economy side of democracy. They saw gradual growth as a sing collectivism would bring about socialism. Local authorities were starting to provide utilities and amenities, such as, gas, parks and public transport. IT has ‘silently changed its character from police power to housekeeping on a national scale’ and would ensure a peaceful emergence of socialism.

IT would require specialists to organise the economy and society. As the state becomes more involved, there needs to be more planning. It was to “guide the mass citizens of a socialist state”

They increasingly recognised that central state action would further development. She saw in her work in the royal commission on the poor laws that unemployment had national rather than local characterises. This believe in centralised state action lead them to believe in Stalinist Russia, as it was deliberately planning all of the nations production, distribution and exchange, not for the swelling of profit of a few, but for increasingly the consumption of the whole community.

Question 32

What did Rosa Luxemburg believe

Answer 32

Key ideas

• Evolutionary socialism is not possible as capitalism is based on economic exploitation
• Struggle by the proletariat creates the class consciousness needed to overthrow the capitalist state

A polish marxist and a prominent member of the German Social democratic party, Luxemburg saw much influence arise out of her critiques of revisionism and disagreements with Lenin

In Social reform or revolution- 1899- she argued that gradual socialism cannot come gradually through capitalism, there needs to be a revolutionary conquest for political power as:

• Any evolutionary or revisionist strategy leaves economic exploitation of capitalism still intact, Workers will never be able to determine wages and resolve contradiction between social products ion and privacy wealth. They loose there sense of political purpose and revolutionary instincts are dampened
• A reformist approach can never smooth away the inherent exploitation inherent in capitalism, as the contractions and crises mean capitalism will inevitably collapse.

In the accumulation of capital she argued markets could not absorb all surplus value generated. BE accessing less developed markets, exportations of the system had happened. However, it would eventually run out of areas to exploit and would collapse.

Struggle is necessary to allow for class consciousness and overthrow the system. The mass strike and political party and the trade unions 1906 lead to her argument that consciousness would develop naturally and discontent would abrupt in many strikes that would develop into a mass strike which would bring about a revolution.

She was in conflict with Lenin who in Organisational questions of social democracy 1904 she rejected the idea of a small centralised group to lead the workers. A divide would create a dividing wall between the leaders and workers, preventing freed a direct control of the workers

Question 33

What did Anthony Crossland believe

Answer 33

Key ideas

• The inherent contractions in capitalism
• State managed capitalism

Crossland was a leading war revisionist and had Much influence on the Labour Party. In the future of socialism (1956) he argued that capitalism has changed and no longer was an oppressive force or riddled with contractionary ideas that Marx claimed. Instead it lacked the tension to bring about revolution,

This was partly due to democracy, growth of industrial bargaining and business ownership. Decision making was no win the hands of professional managers and key industries had been nationalised, as well as welfare widespread. Keynesianism allows for high employment, low inflation and continuous growth. Capitalism has allowed for rising living standards.

HE argued the main aim was now to manage capitalism to deliver greater equality and justice, as well as fairer distribution and removal of class barriers. There were 4 main justifications for equality

Economic efficiency- There was no clear relationship between an individuals status and rewards and the importance of their economic function

Creation of a more communitarian society- inequality creates resentment and leads to a lack of progress.

The injustice of rewarding talent and abilities - not an area of individuality

Need for social justice- democratic equality, it has to move beyond opportunity

His approach relied on high government spending on welfare and redistribution. HE was connived that a mixed economy was the best way to maintain economic growth. IT provides funds to improve the bottoms standard of living, while letting the affluent maintain their standards

HE called for a development of comprehensive education and more higher education, where background does not play a role. As Education secretary he issued the famous Department of Education and science circular 10/65 inviting all authorities to submit plans along comprehensive lines- ““If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to destroy every fucking grammar school in England. And Wales and Northern Ireland”

Question 34

What did Anthony Giddens believe

Answer 34

KEY IDEAS

• THE third way
• The rejection of state intervention

A British sociologist and social theorist, he was probably the most influential figure in the development of the third way.

In his book The third way: the renewals of social democracy 1988 he argued for an approach that allows for both the strengths of Neo liberal free markets and social democracy. There were two key ideas-

• Rejection of state intervention and acceptance of free market. Emphasis of opportunity over equality and responsibility and community over class conflict
• The state is a social investor in social means, not an economic and social engineer.

HE argued that social democracy had to be modernised due to globalisation, the rise of the knowledge economy and the growth of aspiration. Top down approaches are inefficient and ineffective. The left should “get comfortable with the markers’ as the free market was both the most efficient system- that would benefit everyone-, but, also encourages responsibilities .

He stressed a need fo fairness and equal opportunity in this system and called for widening inequality of outcome that he saw as inevitable. He rejected that success or failure of one generation should limit another. HE also saw importance in community and responsibility, to offset the issues with the free market, but also to reflect the decline importance of hierarchy and class conflict. Community was ‘fundamental to the new politics’ of the third way as it allows for social cohesion, shared values and individual and social responsibilities .

HE rejected economic and social engineering, in welfare and redistribution, that some past social democratic governments have done, as he said it creates dependancy and the tac discouraged investment and enterprise of people needed to sustain a market competitive economy. HE instead opted for a social investment state- a contract. The state that benefits from growth of the free market, had a responsibility to invest in the infrastructure of society- such as education training subsidised employment and expert advice- to allow for better opportunities. In return people had a duty to take advantage, a responsibility to help themselves and obligation to not settle for a life on benefits - “ a hand up not a hand out”