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Political Ideas > Socialism > Flashcards

Socialism Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two main branches of socialism

A

Revolutionary socialism

Evolutionary socialism

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2
Q

Define capitalism

A

An economic system organised by the market and based on free enterprise and competition between individuals and companies

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3
Q

Define revolutionary socialism

A

Socialist values cannot coexist with capitalism and therefore a revolution is inevitable to create a communist society
Derived from Marx and Engels
Also known as marxism

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4
Q

What are the 3 types of socialism

A

Revolutionary socialism
Social democracy
The third way

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5
Q

What is democratic socialism

A

Ideas of Beatrice Webb
Socialism gradually achieved within exisiting parliamentary structure
Mass nationalisation
Socialist elite would remodel the state for benefit of all

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6
Q

What is social democracy

A

Influenced by Anthony Crosland
Emerged after the 2WW
Wanted to achieve aims through exisiting democratic means
Focused on a mixed economy and increased state spending on public services to facilitate social justice

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7
Q

What is the third way

A

Emerged in 1980s /1990s
Based on ideas of anthony giddens
Blend of neo-liberal and social democratic ideas
Championed by Tony Blair and Bill Clinton

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8
Q

What is evolutionary socialism

A

Socialism to be achieved gradually within the pre existing parliamentary structure
Would emerge in a gradual piecemeal fashion via the state

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9
Q

What is social justice

A

A moral justification for redistributing wealth so as to limit inequality and provide equality of opportunity for everyone

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10
Q

What is common ownership

A

Opposite of free market capitalist economics
All members of society can benefit from state ownership and participate in the running and organisation of the means of production

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11
Q

Main points of marxism

A

Humans are social beings whose natural state of fraternity has been perverted by greed of captialism
Social class central to perception of human history
Captialist stage sees ruling class (bourgeoisie) take surplus value of the workers (proletariat) thus exploiting and oppressing them
Economic conflict is catalyst for historical and social development within society - historical materialism

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12
Q

Define marxism

A

An ideological and revolutionary theory of socialism that attempts to explain history scientifically in terms of the inevitable demism of capitalsm and its replacement by communism

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13
Q

Define faternity

A

The belief that humans should regard each other as siblings rather than rivals
Relationships should be based not on competition but generosity and solidarity

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14
Q

Define cooperation

A

Individuals working collectively to achieve mutual benefit

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15
Q

Define historical materialism

A

A theory which argues that economic factors are the driving force for historical or social development.

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16
Q

Define communism

A

A society that is communally organised with an economy built on the elimination of private property in favour of common ownership.
Goods are owned by everyone and available to all as needed

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17
Q

Define class conciousness

A

The moment when the proletariat realises that capitalism is exploiting them

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18
Q

Marx & Engles first to argue 5 things

A

positive human nature had been distorted by capitalism
Critique capitalist economics
Place social class at the heart of socialist ideas
state was not neutral but a puppet of ruling class
need for and inevitability of revolution

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19
Q

Was Marx a details man

A

No
Neither he nor engels explained in any detail how nationlisation, production, labour or economic planning would work in practice

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20
Q

Key ideas of Rosa Luxemburg

A

Post marxist or Neo Marxist
Evolutionary socialism and revisionism are not possible - because capitalism is based on an economic relationship of exploitation
Predicted that without some form of democracy the party would become a dictatorship
Struggle by the proletariat for reform and democracy - this creates the class conciousness necessary for the overthrough of the capitalist society and state

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21
Q

Key work of rosa luxemburg

A

The accumulation of capital 1913

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22
Q

Key works of Marx

A

The communist manifesto 1848

Das Kapital 1867

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23
Q

Strands of revisionist socialism

A

Democratic socialism (late 19C to end of 2WW)
Social democracy
The third way

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24
Q

Define democratic socialism

A

Socialist state achieve via the ballot box NOT revolution
Advocated by Fabian Society led by Beatrice Webb
Hugely influential to the UK Labour party & German Social Democratic Party

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25
Q

Key ideas of Beatrice Webb

A

The inevitablility of gradualness - gradual parliamentary strategy
The expansion of the state - NOT overthrow of the state
Are both key to delivering socialism

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26
Q

Key work of Beatrice Webb

A

The minority report of the poor law commission

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27
Q

Where did ideas from Webb’s key work (the minority report of the poor law commission) reappear

A

Beveridge Report 1942

Which in turn was used by the labour governments of 1945-51 in their creation of welfare state

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28
Q

Key quote for rosa luxemburg

A

Without general elections …….life dies in every institution

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29
Q

Key quote for Marx

A

Accumulation of wealth at one pole is at the same time accumulation of misery…at the opposite pole

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30
Q

Why does capitalism lead to exploitation

A

Exploitation occurs inevitably to maximise profits of owners who deprive their workers of their surplus value. Capitalism’s need to expand is insatiable and it will seek out new markets to dominate.

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31
Q

What was marx and engels materialist theory

A 
Materialist theory claims that economic and class factors explain historical and social development.  
History is a class struggle 
The economic system influences all other aspects of society
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32
Q

What did Marx and Engels mean by the dictatorship of the proletariat

A

This meant a transitional phase where the state would control the means of production and distribution

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33
Q

What did Marx and Engels think communism was and what did they mean by the term “the end of history”

A 
Communism was a society free of internal contradictions, private property and class conflict 
History was a process of class struggle so the arrival of a communist socity meant the end of history
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34
Q

How did Luxemburg adapt the ideas of Marx & Engels

A

Disagreed with historical materialism

She theorised that communism could happen in less economically developed societies

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35
Q

What is social democracy and when did it start

A

Revision of democratic socialism

Germany and UK after 2WW not in 19C despite the fact revolutionary socialists did use the term

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36
Q

Key features of social democracy

A

Capitalism should be reformed not replaced
State should distribute wealth created by free market across society more fairly by
- mixed economy of nationalised and private companies
- state intervention via Keynesian regulation of economy
- the welfare state

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37
Q

Key social democracy thinker

A

Anthony Crosland a labour MP and cabinet minsiter in 1960s

38
Q

Anthony Crosland’s key text

A

The future of socialism

39
Q

Key ideas of Anthony Crosland

A

Capitalism does not drive social change BUT if managed can deliver social justice and equality
State managed capitalism
- including mixed economy, full employment and universal social benefits
- keynesian economics

40
Q

Key quotes of Anthony Crosland

A

Marx had little or nothing to offer the contemporary socialist

In britain, equality of opportunity and social mobility are not enough

41
Q

What was crosland’s most famous attempt to ensure equality

A

Creation of comprehensive system to break down segregation of grammer schools
Did not abolish grammer schools as this would have been too difficult politically

42
Q

What is The third way

A

Vision of social democracy during 1990s

Sometimes known as neo revisionism

43
Q

Key The third way thinker

A

Anthony Giddens

A sociologist

44
Q

Key The third way text

A

The Third Way by Anthony Giddens

45
Q

Anthony Giddens quote

A

Every left of centre party that gets into power is doomed to disappoint

46
Q

Main ideas of Anthony giddens

A 
The rejection of state intervention - acceptance of free market in economy
- equality of opportunity
- personal responsibility and community over class conflict
The role of the state is social investment in infrastructure and eduction NOT economic and social
47
Q

How do Giddens ideas differ from one nation conservatism

A

Both are reactions against external changes and their consequences
BUT
Giddens ideas are an aspirational blueprint to improve society
One nationa conservatism distrustful of such principles preferring pragmatic incremental change drawn from empiricism

48
Q

What are the 5 core principles of socialism

A 
Common humanity
Collectivisim
Equality
Social class
Workers control
49
Q

Define common humanity

A

One of 5 principles of socialism
Humans are social creatures who want to cooperate rather than compete with each other
That they are naturally inclined to work together for best results for society as a whole
Leading to understanding and mutual support - or common humanity

50
Q

Rank the various styles of socialism in their hostility to capitalism (most to least)

A

Revolutionary socialism (marxism)
Democratic socialism
Social democracy
The third way

51
Q

What is collectivism

A 
One of 5 core principles of socialism
All branches of socialism agree that individuals
- prefer to work together
- work more effectively in groups
Ie collectives
52
Q

What does collectivism mean to a marxist (revolutionary socialist)

A 
Want workforce to own all industry collecticvely
This would end class conflict
53
Q

What does collectivism mean to an evolutionary socialist like Webb

A

Cooperative federalism

Businesses owned by customers who have say in their running and get dividends from profits

54
Q

What does collectivism mean to social democrats or the third way

A

Suspicious of collectivism suggested by marx and webb
Feel that it threatens individual freedom - third way influenced by neo liberal views
Thinkers offer different & weaker collectivist solutions

55
Q

Compare social democratic and third way solutions to industrial relations

A

Social - workers belong to TUs that have stong bargaining rights to stop exploitation

Third way - unions exist to preserve fair practice in workplace BUT wages are market driven

56
Q

Compare social democratic and third way solutions to healthcare

A

Social - a national health service provides universal healthcare according to need. This is paid for from general taxation

Third way - universal healthcare is unsustainable and we have to acknowledge market forces eg prescription charges/private healthcare

57
Q

Compare social democratic and third way solutions to Education

A

Social - widespread comprehensive education available to all - extending equality of opportunity

Third way - extension of equality of opportuntity facilitated by increased spending and emphasis on life long learning. BUT tuition fees for UNI

58
Q

Compare social democratic and third way solutions to key industries

A

Social - Key utilities such as gas, water, telecoms, rail & coal brought under govt control and operate in collective interest.
Private industries exempt from collectivisation

Third Way - no support for renationalisation

59
Q

What is equality

A

One of 5 core principles of socialism
Social equality is fundamental goal of socialism
It reinforces cooperation and collectivism - shared goal in common good
Capitalist society leads to economic inequality - socialism wants to rebalance this
BUT number of different equalities an socialists do not share same view of them

60
Q

Define absolute equality

A

All individuals should recieve the same rewards as long as the contributions they make to society are the best of their ability

61
Q

How does the view on absolute equality differ between different socialist groups

A

Marx etc believed this was the ideal - but only achievable after a communist revolution
Too extreme for the other branches of socialism

62
Q

Define equality of outcome

A

Economic rewards should be fairer and more evenly distributed to give individuals similar outcomes

63
Q

How does the view on equality of outcome differ between different socialist groups

A

Favoured by democratic (evolutionary) socialists like webb. Due to the gradual change the difference in rewards would be far less than in a free market economy thus reducing inequality
Rejected by revolutionary socialists for not going far enough
Rejected by social democrats / the third way supporters as it would act as a disincentive to wealth creators

64
Q

Define equality of opportunity

A

Individuals are entitled to equal chances to make the best of their abilities

65
Q

How does the view on equality of opportunity differ between different socialist groups

A

Supported by democrats/supporters of the third way
There shoudl be no barriers to success for those with talent/skills and ability
Both Crosland and Giddens emphasied education and targeting the most vulnerable

Revolutionary socialists dismiss equality of opportunity as impossible to achieve without communist revolution

66
Q

Define equality of welfare

A

Everyone is entitled to a minimum standard of living, enabled by state welfare

67
Q

How does the view on equality of welfare differ between different socialist groups

A

Social democracy’s Crosland was more enthusiastic exponent, favouring progressive taxation and universal welfare

Third way’s giddens and evolutionary socialist Webb favoured a welfare state but cautious about creating dependency culture

Revolutionary socialist argue that equality of welfare can only be achieved via communist revolution

68
Q

What is meant by Social Class

A

One of the 5 core principles of socialism
Believe that capitalism creates/reinforces harmful social class divisions
Socialists disagree how to rectify the problem

69
Q

How do the different socialist groups view social class

A

Marx - capitalists parasites - must be overthrown in revolution
Webb - capitalists parasites but change system slowly. Universal nationalisation, progressive taxation and welfare state would narrow divisions
Crosland - fairer distribution of wealth and equality so each individual would thrive.
Giddens revised Croslands analysis - investment in education key basis of redistribution of possibilities

70
Q

What is meant by Workers Control

A

One of 5 key principles of socialism
All branches agree that if unchecked then free market with exploit the worker
Marx etc advocate workers control
Webb, Crosland & Giddens do not envisage the worker seizing direct control of economy

71
Q

How do the different branches of socialism view workers control

A

Marx etc imagined time when exploited workers took control for a short time between revolution and classless communist society.
Webb did not think workers capable of holding such responsibility
Social democrats thought idea outdated and are comfortable with a mixed economy
Third way thinkers viewed idea as impractical for same reasons as social dems - blair amended clause IV of labour party constitution dropping commitment to common ownership/ideological claims for worker control

72
Q

Amongst socialists Which areas of agreement are there regarding human nature

A

All have an optimistic view of human nature
Common humanity, rational social creatures who naturally gravitate towards cooperation
All agree that nature is not fixed but easily shaped by environment
None believe that all individuals have identical abilities or needs

73
Q

Amongst socialists Which areas of disagreement are there regarding human nature

A

Marx & Engels - individuals deformed by capitalism. Only solution a revolution which would usher in communal society based on common ownerhsip
Luxemburg - agreed capitalism v bad for human nature but disagreed that there would be no need for democracy after the revolution. Said that there would need to be checks on power (anticipating dictatorship of communist party)
Evolutionary socialists argue character of the state can be altered so it is positive
Webb thought human nature could be guided to common ownership by gradual reform of the state
Crosland thought common ownership would infringe on individual freedoms and he focused on inequality of the class system
Giddens disagreed with webb for same reasons as crosland but he argued for “ communitarianism” (joining free market with focus of community)
Giddens critical of how social democracy creates a dependency culture.

74
Q

Areas of agreement about the state

A

All agree that the state plays a key role in both society and economy

They disagree about the size of the state

75
Q

Areas of disagreement about the state

A

Revolutionary socialists see state as tool of bourgeoisie so can not be reformed and only revolution will ensure a communist society
Luxemberg disagreed saying capitalist state should be replaced by socialist state but with democratic elections and free speech
Evolutionary socialists say revolution not necessary to achieve state reform
Webb thought state could be reformed via parliamentary democracy leading to socialist reform
Social democrats argue that the state should play a role in managing the economy using Keynesian economics
Crosland believed in mixed economy
Giddens believed free market more efficient and successful than state managed capitalism. Also to avoid dependency culture he argued for a smaller welfare state - “a hand up not a hand out”. Education v v important

76
Q

In which areas about society do socialists agree

A

That society should be based on equality
Society must respond to negative effects of capitalism and be remodelled to embrace greater equality and cooperation(disagreement on how and result!)
Society directly affects indivuals - working conditions / unequal distribution of wealth can have a harmful effect on human nature

77
Q

What are the areas of disagreement between socialists regarding society

A

Marx & Engels infected society to such an extent that revolution is the only option
Webb - society should be reformed by evolutionary means and run on collectivist lines as revolutions are “chaotic, inefficient & counterproductive”
Crosland thought inequality/class division should be minimised by reform of capitalism so society can share benefits of economic growth
Crosland ideas for society focused on equality of opportunity
Giddens argued for a narrower focus of equality of opportunity than social democracy concentrating on social investment in infrastructure and education (new labour replaced crosland inspired comprehensives with academys
Giddens thought Societal community is fundamental to offset negative effects of free market globalisation

78
Q

In which areas do socialists agree on the economy

A

All socialists agree that capitalism can be exploitative and lead to inequality

79
Q

What is a revolutionary socialists view of economics

A

Revolutionary socialists believe capitalism will be overthrown and replaced by common ownership

80
Q

How high did income tax get and when

A

83% in 1974

81
Q

How did Giddens influence New Labour with regards to tax

A

They reduced business rates and kept income tax at 40% until 2010 when it rose to 50% due to the financial crisis

82
Q

What is a evolutionary socialists view of economics

A

Evolutionary socialists agree capitalism is broken but that the state can deliver reform without revolution

83
Q

What is a democratic socialists view of economics

A

Webb argued that economy would be managed by highly trained elite of administrators rather than the workers themselves
Webb thought state would ensure a national minimum for all in relation to wages and quality of life

84
Q

What is a social democrats view of economics

A

Social democrats like Crosland argued for mixed economy rather than increased public ownership with keynesian economics to ensure growth

85
Q

How does a supporter of “the third way” view economics

A

Giddens (3rd way) argued that progressive taxation inhibits wealth creation. Against keynesianism.
Wants a regulated economy reinforcing workers rights but believes in free market as being more efficient
Advocates equality of welfare but to a lesser extent ie students should contribute to cost of university

86
Q

Suggest three ways in which socialist promote collectivism

A

Cooperative communities of utopian socialists
Collective ownership of revolutionary socialists as espoused by Marx, Engels and Luxenburg
State managed capitalism and nationalisation as espoused by social democracy and key thinker Crosland

87
Q

Why do some socialists prefer revolution to reform

A

Marx and Engels and Luxembourg thought capitalism too powerful and inherently selfish to be reformed.
It had to be eradicated by revolution

88
Q

Why did Marx and Engels see social class as such an important central concept

A

Social class underpins three crucial elements of their theory - historical materialism, dialectical change and development of revolutionary conciousness

89
Q

Why did Luxembourg combine revolution and democracy in her ideas

A

Luxembourg realised the dangers of tyranny if the members of a society (even after a revolution) did not have the vote or freedom of speech.
She was sceptical of Marx and Engels theory of historical materialism and their claim that society could be free of the internal contradictions that would be necessary for democracy to be obsolete

90
Q

Why did Webb see the role of the state as crucial to her ideas

A

Webb thought that only a skilled elite could deliver a socialist society and she had little faith in the workers being able to organise this themselves. It would therefore require central state planning of production, distribution and exchange to achieve a true socialist society.
Top down view of a socialist state

91
Q

What did Crosland mean by state managed capitalism

A

Reforming its negative aspects so that it benefits the many and not the few
Would involve a mixed economy and state pursuing Keynesian economic policy which would ensure full employment, low inflationary dnd economic growth
Proceeds of capitalism would be shared via social justice-
redistribute wealth via the welfare system

92
Q

Why did Giddens argue against state managed capitalism

A

Attempts to manage capitalism were inefficient and ineffective
Economy thrived under free market and laissez faire policies NOT Keynesian intervention
Redistribution of wealth view social democracy’s welfare state led to dependency culture
State should increase equality of opportunity to decrease inequalities of outcome and offset the negative effects of the free market

Political Ideas (3 decks)

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