Socialism Flashcards
Who came up with initial utopian socialism?
Robert Owen
How do socialists argue against individualism?
Character of man is “always formed for him” - Owen
Growing up in different economic classes leads to inevitable outcomes such as crimes and alcohol
When was the first national trade union formed?
Owen formed the Grand National Consolidated Trade Union in 1834
1.5 mil members
Collapsed after a few months since he was against strikes
Why did Marx say capitalism reduced the happiness of workers?
Alienation from their product, production, human nature, other people
How did Marx differ humans from other species?
Creative expression and production beyond necessity
Appreciation of beauty
What is historical materialism?
Analysis of the means and relations of production
Eg agricultural dependence gives you feudalism
What is the Marxist superstructure?
Religion, culture and laws which entrench the social classes
How did Marx criticise freedom of contract in the liberal model?
Capitalists hold all the means of production so labour power is sold for lower than equilibrium price
What are the two potential end goals of socialism?
Fundamental socialism - absolute overhaul of society
Revisionism - fairer society without complete distraction of capitalism
What are the two possible pathways to socialism?
Revolutionary - socialism needs a revolution
Evolutionary - working within the system
Context of Luxembourg
Bon in Poland
Moved to Germany in her 20s and joined the socialist movement
SDP most influential in Europe - 1m members
Which German socialist argued against revolutionary attitudes?
Bernstein
Argued increasing democracy and trade unions negated the need for revolution
