Core Ideas Of Socialism Flashcards
What are the 5 main aspects of socialism
- Equality
- attitudes about social class
- Common humanity
- Collectivism
- Common ownership
What do socialists think about equality
Early socialists stress the importance of “equality of outcome”, differing from the traditional liberal perspective that inequality is justifiable if it improves the lives of the poor(Rawls)- socialists disregard the view that inequality can even drive prosperity
How do socialists show their emphasis on the need for equality
By placing a great emphasis on “relative poverty”, arguing that even poorer people in wealthier countries live their lives constantly aware that their life is worse than those around them.
Significant since it damages social cohesion which is essential for forming an equal society- big class divides make it hard for people to emphasise with each other, creating society of haves and have nots
Why is social class important for socialists
Marx believed that class divisions shaped all other aspects of society. He argued that the economic base (means of prod. and relations to prod.) was controlled by the ruling classes in order to dominate the “ superstructure” educ,science,..
The superstructure also served to maintain the economic base
Why is a belief in “common humanity” important to socialists
Since socialists say that the environment we grow up in has a fundamental impact on our character, it is necessary to create a society that brings out the best aspects of human nature (fraternity, kindness.
Capitalism undermines this by making people compete against each other
What idea does this belief on common humanity influence
Collectivism
Why is collectivism important to socialists
In accordance with their belief in equality and fraternity, socialists generally argue that it is better to work for collective interests which benefit everyone, rather than our own self interest. Unlike capitalism this would produce a society where everyone was happier.
Who supports this belief in collectivism
Marx, who argued that if you formed an economy around new technology and a moral drive for the collective good, people would have richer more fulfilling lives
Why is common ownership important to socialists?
Private ownership has a negative impact on individuals and society.
For individuals, encourages materialism and the selfish idea that our “worth” is determined by our class or material wealth.
For society, private property creates divisions (disreali). Sig: weakens the fabric of society and undermines the bonds of fraternity that exist between all humans
