Political Parties: Labour Flashcards
When was the Labour Party founded
The beginning of the 20th century
Who was the Labour Party formed to represent
The working class At this time they had not been given the right to vote
Labour Party is based off of socialism, what is this?
A political ideology advocating greater equality and redistribution of wealth. Socialists are suspicious of capitalism. Favour greater government intervention in both economic and social policy
What are the two strands socialism can be divided into
Revisionist- looks to improve capitalism,accepting its premise while while seeking to redistribute wealth more equally
Revolutionary- aims to abolish capitalism and bring all property into common ownership
Describe clause IV in 1918
Included a clear commitment to public ownership of key industries and redistribution of wealth
Tony Blair reformed clause IV, what was different
It embraced capitalism- wanted a thriving public sector
This promoted freedom of opportunity, whereas traditional labour promotes equality of outcome
Why did Tony Blair change clause IV
It was no longer possible o acheive equality of outcome as society had changed, in order to appeal to the capitalist nature of voters and direct their policies towards capitalist ideologies
Outline the changes to the class and occupational structures which have taken place in the UK since the 1960s
- Embourgeoisement
- Margaret thatchers right to buy policy- middle class can own property- have a stake in society (this was traditionally a priveledge of the upper classes)
- deindustrialisation- closure of steel/coal/iron/ship works
- growth of service industry jobs
Describe the term new labour
Used to describe the Labour Party in 1997 GE following the process of modernisation completed by Tony Blair
New labour consisted of a massive overhaul:rebranding, changing clause IV
What is old labour
Refers to the party’s historic commitment to socialism and its links with socialist societies, trade unions and the old working class.
What is third way
An ideological position said to exist between conventional socialism and mainstream capitalism closely associated with TB and new labour, sometimes known as the middle way
What is triangulation
The process of melding the core labour parties principles and values such as greater social justice with he lessons learnt from Thatcherism, closely associated with the new labour and the third way
Describe labour under Gordon Brown
He showed a greater commitment to social justice
Favoured de-regulation and a lighter approach to economic management however the economic crisis made it very difficult for him
What is social justice
The need for greater equality of outcome
Achieved through progression taxation and other forms of wealth distribution
What is labour now like under Jeremy Corbin
Strengthened policies to appeal to middle class Anti Semitic media image contributed to controversial image as well a rebellious back beach nature Too far socialist for a capitalist country
