Anthony Crosland

Question 1

Who was Anthony Crosland?

Answer 1

Anthony Crosland was a senior Labour politician, his book ‘The Future of Socialism’ 1956 made a vital contribution to the development of social democracy.

Question 2

Which type of socialist was Anthony Crosland?

Answer 2

Anthony Crosland was a social democrat.

Question 3

What were Anthony Crosland’s beliefs on human nature?

Answer 3

Anthony Crosland believed that human nature has a powerful sense of ‘fairness’ and an innate objection to inequality of outcome
(thus the state should democratically socialist state should be elected to increase public spending and increase equality)

Question 4

What were Anthony Crosland’s beliefs on the state?

Answer 4

Anthony Crosland believed that democratic socialist governments prove that the existing state can be used to effect socialist change. NHS Atlee for example.
(revolution is therefore unnecessary to ensure equality of outcome)

Question 5

What were Anthony Crosland’s beliefs on society?

Answer 5

Anthony Crosland believed that society is increasingly complicated, altered by the emergence of new social groups
(thus???)

Question 6

What were Anthony Crosland’s beliefs on the economy?

Answer 6

Anthony Crosland believed that a mixed economy, underpinned by public ownership, will finance greater public spending
(ensuring equality of outcome)