Early Socialism Flashcards
Who is considered the founding father of socialism
Robert Owen (1771-1858)
Who was he
A welsh textile manufacturer in New Lanark who ran a mill in a “utopian manner”. This is because he was horrified by the working and living conditions of his employees
What conclusions did Owen draw about human nature from the IRA
Contrary to the Lib belief that someone’s character is formed by themselves, Owen argued that those growing up in industrial areas (w/out access to educ) were inevitably shaped into different people
So… what did Owen do at NL to ensure that people were shaped into good people
Upgraded existing housing and improved W&l conditions, banned employment of children under 10, 1st every nursery
Why else did owen make changes (human nature)
Not just because they were morally right, he also thought that happier, healthier workers would be more effective. Indeed, the mill was very successful.
Why would some of Owens reforms like the introduction of curfews, random searches have annoyed liberals
Would argue the changes are too authoritarian and undermine the concept of “negative liberty”.
However, many argued that Owen was instead promoting “positive liberty”, by paying his workers even when the mill was shut to ensure that they could still provide for their families
What could you say about Owen’s view of society
He argued the best society would be where everyone worked collectively, for a common good, to ensure that everyone could provide for themselves and their families comfortably
And the econ.?
His “utopian socialism” would have removed private interests searching ruthlessly for profits. Instead workers could work shorter hours and enjoy the nicer things in life
