Key thinker quotes - socialism

Question 1

Marx and Engels on human nature

Answer 1

Capitalism instilled a ‘false consciousness’ and made humans selfish, ruthless, greedy.

Question 2

Marx and Engels on society

Answer 2

Centrality of social class. Capitalism creates two conflicted economic classes- the bourgeoisie (ruling class, own and mange economy) and proletariat (sell labour to bourgeoisie in return for wages).

Question 3

Marx and Engels on the state

Answer 3

“The state is not ‘abolished.’ It withers away.”

Question 4

Marx and Engels on the economy

Answer 4

Capitalism created ‘surplus value’ (employers paying minimum wages to maximise profit).

Question 5

Luxemburg on human nature

Answer 5

Capitalism promotes exploitation and is as is with human’s natural, fraternal instincts.

Question 6

Luxemburg on society

Answer 6

“Those who do not move, do not notice their chains.” Highlights her belief that many of the oppressed are not aware of their oppression.

Question 7

Luxemburg on the state

Answer 7

She saw it as a tool of class domination that must not become authoritarian under socialism.

Question 8

Luxemburg on the economy

Answer 8

She thought that capitalism was inherently unstable due to its contradictions and expansionist tendencies.

Question 9

Webb on human nature

Answer 9

She thought is was shaped by societal conditions; humans require education and discipline to reach their potential.

Question 10

Webb on society

Answer 10

“Our aim is to substitute for the anarchical struggle for existence a deliberately organised co-operation for existence.”

Question 11

Webb on the state

Answer 11

She saw the state as a tool of class struggle that could be restructured to serve as an instrument of emancipation.

Question 12

Webb on the economy

Answer 12

“The economic process must be directed by deliberate social purpose… competition must give place to collective organisation and regulation.”

Question 13

Crosland on human nature

Answer 13

“Human beings flourish most in conditions of equality.” Reflects his belief that reducing inequality unlocks human nature.

Question 14

Crosland on society

Answer 14

He believed society should focus on improving the quality of life, evolving to meet higher social and cultural standards.

Question 15

Crosland on the state

Answer 15

“If it’s the job of the government to promote equality, then that requires not simply taxing the rich but ensuring social benefits for all citizens.”

Question 16

Crosland on the economy

Answer 16

“What matters is not the ownership of industry, but the conditions under which it operates and the results it achieves.”

Question 17

Giddens on human nature

Question 18

Giddens on society

Question 19

Giddens on the state

Question 20

Giddens on the economy