Revolutionary Socialism

Question 1

RS: Inherent to capitalism was……..

Answer 1

Marx and Engels argued that inherent to capitalism was class oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoise which created deep inequalities and suppressed the inherently collaboratively and social nature of humans.

They saw a revolution as inevitable. ‘Dictatorship of the proletariat’

Then state would wither away to a communist society.

Question 2

Six key principles of socialism

Answer 2

Collectivism

Common humanity

Equality

Social class

Workers’ control

Opposition to capitalism

Question 3

RS: The Soviet Union

Answer 3

The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 Russia

Question 4

RS: china

Answer 4

Communist revolution 1949

Question 5

Some TS rejected move to ES

Answer 5

Criticise they compromised fundamental goals

Rosa Luxemburg was particularly vocal in her opposition. She argued that evolutionary socialism effectively abandoned the class struggle, which she considered essential for overthrowing capitalism and establishing a truly socialist society.

Question 6

RS Collectivism

Answer 6

Complete collectivism and eradication of capitalism

All means of production should be collectively owned

No private property

No class division and no state

Question 7

RS - common humanity

Answer 7

See humans as inherently cooperative and communal but argue capitalism distorts thus.

Marx argues capitalism distorts and suppresses the natural positive tendencies of human nature. This leads to a ‘false consciousness’ - proletariat is misguided to accept the capitalism system as just and neutral.

Question 8

RS - equality

Answer 8

Absolute equality

Complete equality of outcome

Marx - this can only be achieved by overthrowing capitalist system.

Need collective ownership to dismantle class structures.

End goal completely classless, communist society

Question 9

RS social class

Answer 9

• believe there is two groups the proletariat and the bourgeoise
• seek to aid the working class in achieving class consciousness. By doing so they need to eradicate false consciousness so there can be a working class revolution.

Question 10

RS - workers control

Answer 10

• advocate for complete workers’ control over all of the economy and the state.
• existing state exists to serve the bourgeoisie not proletariat.
• state cannot be reformed through gradual evolution, must be a reform.

Question 11

RS - opposition to capitalism

Answer 11

Capitalist system is fundamentally flawed and the root cause of all evil in society and human nature. As a result, they advocate for the complete dismantling of capitalism in favour of a socialist society.