Anthony Giddens

Question 1

Which type of socialist was Anthony Giddens?

Answer 1

Anthony Giddens was a social democrat (third way).

Question 2

What were Anthony Giddens’ beliefs on human nature?

Answer 2

Giddens believed that human nature has been shaped by changing socio-economic conditions. The pro-fairness instinct is still present, but now competes with individual aspiration
(thus a neo-liberal economy propelled by privatisation and deregulation should be introduced to allow individual aspiration to flourish, allowing greater taxation to ensure greater public spending and therefore equality of opportunity)

Question 3

What were Anthony Giddens’ beliefs on the state?

Answer 3

Giddens believed that the existing state should be improved, redistributing and decentralising political power while encouraging greater political participation
(allowing human nature to flourish as individuals have a pro-fairness instinct)

Question 4

What were Anthony Giddens’ beliefs on society?

Answer 4

Giddens believed that society has undergone embourgeoisement, egalitarians must harness rather than deny these forces
(allowing human nature to flourish as individual aspiration will be encouraged)

Question 5

What were Anthony Giddens’ beliefs on the economy?

Answer 5

Giddens believed that a neo-liberal economy, propelled by privatisation and deregulation will provide huge tax yields to increase public spending
(this will secure greater equality of opportunity)