Human nature

Question 1

Marx and Engels

Answer 1

Contaminated by capitalism, it drives them to be selfish and competitive. It also causes false consciousness among workers; they believe this system is the only viable one and serves them best.

Question 2

Luxemburg

Answer 2

Human nature isn’t so damaged by capitalism, altruism and cooperation is still evident in the working class.

Question 3

Webb

Answer 3

Damage to human nature from capitalism will only be made worse by revolution and its consequences.

Question 4

Crosland

Answer 4

Eventually people will resolve inequality of outcome because they have a powerful sense of fairness.

Question 5

Core idea

Answer 5

Human nature has been irreversibly shaped by socio-economic conditions, people are still pro-fairness but are more competitive and have higher individual aspirations.