Socialism Flashcards
What is Socialism?
A political and economic theory of society which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned/ regulated by the community.
What is Collectivism?
Refers to the notion that we can achieve valuable goals on a shared rather than individual basis
What are the two fundamental arguments in favour for collectivism?
- Morally, The interests of the group should take priority over individual self interest. Collective effort encourages social unity and a sense of social responsibility
- Practically/Economically , it utilises the capabilities of the society and avoids wastefulness
What do Socialists believe about human nature?
Humans are social creatures and our behaviour is moulded by societal forces (particularly the economic system) and capitalism cannot facilitate the best of human nature. we should replace an unethical, amoral and ‘dog eat dog’ system with a more socially equitable alternative.
How does the belief about human nature relate to collectivism/common humanity ?
As man is a social animal, we seek to realise our goals on a collective basis and thereby co-operate with others to serve the common good.
What is a fraternity and how are we bound to it?
fraternity refers to the sharing of common interests and beliefs; it implies that a group sharing those beliefs is as close as ‘if they were brothers’. Regardless of external factors
Socialists believe that it’s only through a shared sense of brotherhood that we can ever hope to improve humanity.
What do Marxists believe about collectivism in practise?
Marxists advocated collectivism through a centralised state that control all means of production and distribution. This is based on the principle that ‘from each according to ability, to each according to need’
Examples of Marxism and collectivism in practise
Communist regimes of China and the USSR
What do moderate/revisionist socialists believe about collectivism in practise
Advocate some degree of free-market capitalism and pursue it in a limited way
Examples of Moderate/Revisionist socialists and collectivism in practise
1945-51 UK Labour government nationalist key industries but left much of the economy to private hands
What are some arguments against collectivism?
- As it emphasises group action and common interests, it suppresses individuality and diversity
- As it can only be advanced through the agency of the state, it can give way to the arbitrary of state power and erode individual freedoms
What do socialists as a whole feel about equality?
the pursuit of social equality/equality of outcome is the fundamental value of socialism and underpins most areas of socialist thought
What does social equality/equality of outcome refer to ?
The equal distribution of economic rewards such as income and wealth
What does egalitarianism refer to?
A theory/practise designed to remove or reduce inequalities and ensure everyone has a fair chance in life
What do revolutionary socialists believe about equality
They demand absolute equality, which can be guaranteed through the introduction of common ownership and the controlled distribution of goods and services
What do social democrats believe about equality?
They want more limited state intervention via welfare, progressive taxation and government spending
What does equality of outcome mean?
Maintains that rewards should be based on an individual’s contribution. Some inequality will persist but differences in rewards will not be as marked in the free-market system.
What type of socialist opposees equality of outcome?
Third Way and Social democrats
What does equality of opportunity mean?
Based on the principle that everyone should have an equal chance to make the best of their abilities. There should be a ‘level playing field’ with not artificial barriers to progress those with ability
What type of socialist opposes equality of opportunity?
Marxists as it doesn’t seek to remove capitalism and its structural inequalities
What is absolute equality?
Based on the notion that everyone will receive the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society
What type of socialist opposes absolute equality ?
Social democrats and Third Way as they deem it impractical and potentially destabilising
What does Equality of Welfare mean?
Accepts that human society is inevitably unequal but also maintains that every individual os entitled to have an equal minimum standard of living
What type of socialist opposes equality of welfare ?
Marxists
Criticisms of social equality
- Unjust as it doesn’t reward people according to their abilities
- stifles diversity
- restricts the liberties of the individual
Social Class
The existence of social classes explains the most important divides, rather than the result of the actions of other people or the essence of human nature
What do Marxists believe about social class?
They emphasise the fundamental role of class politics based on the economic division between capital and labour. An individual's class position is economically determined by their relationship to the means of production
What do Social democrats believe about social class?
They define social class in more fluid terms, emphasising income and status differences between non-manual and manual occupational groups
Workers’ Control
Refers to the complete/partial ownership of an economic enterprise by those employed there
What are some justifications for workers’ control?
- Promotes collective effort
- Important step towards a socialist society
- Workers are the most important part of the economy, and should thus have the right to control the means of production
What are some criticisms of workers’ control
- Businesses don’t just rely on workers ( Stakeholders, shareholders)
- Workers may not have the entrepreneurial qualities
