Socialism Flashcards
Collectivism
The interests of a group should take priority over individual self interest
Collectivism uses the capabilities of the whole of society efficiently
How does collectivism reflect human nature
Humans are social animals and have the capacity for collective action tied together by the bonds of fraternity
Marxist collectivism view
Advocate collective action through a centralised state that organised all production and distribution
Socialists collectivism
Accept some degree of free market capitalism and purse it in a more limited way e.g 1945-51 labour government nationalists some key industries but left most of economy in private hands
Two criticisms of collectivism
Suppresses human individuality and diversity
Can only really be advanced through agency of the state leading to growth of state power and erosion of individuals freedoms
Socialist belief in commmon humanity
Humans are social creatures with a tendency towards co operation soicioability and rationality
The individual cannot be understood without reference to society
Socialist beliefs of competition
Promotes social divisions and. Generates conflict hostility and resentment
Capitalistic economic competition sets one person against another
Socialists view of state regarding common humanity
Has led socialists to support an interventionist role of the state to provide material incentive
Three benefits of equality to socialism
Ensures fairness (equality of outcome, political and legal equality)
Reinforces collectivism (more likely to work together if share similar socioeconomic status)
Satisfying basic human needs (human fulfilment and potential)
Marxists view on equality
Demand absolute equality for everyone in terms of material awards and life opportunities
Social Democrat view of equality
Call for limited intervention to achieve relative equality
Their primary aim is to remove poverty, then certain level of equality can be tolerated
Reform rather than abolish capitalism (material incentives motivate humans)
Reasons for common ownership
Wealth is created by communal endeavour so should be owned collectively
Private property encourages materialism and creates social conflict
Why is equality of opportunity rejected by Marxists
It does not seek to remove capitalism and its structural inequalities
Different views on equality of welfare
Rejected by Marxists - welfare provision does not seek to remove capitalism
Endorsed by social democrats and the third way because it provides a vital safety net for the most vulnerable in society
Marxists view of social class
Traditionally emphasise the fundamental role of class politics based on the economic division between capital and labour
One’s economic relationship with the means of production determined their social class
Social democratic view of social class
Socialist objective #can be achieved through targeted state intervention to narrow not remove social class distinctions
They advocate social class condensed and peaceful social improvement
Workers control
Complete or partial ownership of economic enterprise
Revolutionary socialism key points
-rejected the use of democratic methods
-emerged after early industrialists provided poverty and inequality
-Workers had little influence on government policy
-revolutionary socialism calls for total transformation and change of institutions
Social democracy key points
-aims to reconcile free market capitalism with state intervention
-state intervention into economic affairs protects the public
-defining core value is social justice
-later adopted a more limited programme (support for mixed economy, Keynesianism,reform of capitalism through the welfare system)
-attempted to balance economic efficiency and egalitarianism
Third way key points
-a response to the economic crisis of the 80s first introduced by new labour in the 90s
-accepts the primacy of the market over the state and rejects top down state intervention
-endorse the value of communicate and moral responsibility
-neo revisionsots advocate self reliance and mutual dependence
-emphasis equality of opportunity and the benefits of a meritocratic social system
-promote competition state to develop workforce skill and knowledge
The state - Marxists
Regards the stats as an instrument of class rule
The bourgeoise use it to maintain dominance over the proletariat
Marxists regimes have used the state to organise all means of production
The state - social democrats
Limited state intervention in social and economic affairs can safeguard the public
The state - neo revisionists/ third way
Sceptical attitude- disagree with top down intervention describing it as ineffective and inefficient
Govt intervention should focus on social investment and education to improve Job opportunity
Society - Marxism
Argue that a capitalist society is dominated by class conflict between the ruling borgouise and proletariat
Only communism can deliver stable unified society (classless and absolute equality)
Society - social democrats
Accept that class inequality exist and these social differences can be reduced through peaceful improvement
Deindustrialisatoin. Made all relatively middle class
Society - third way
Stresses harmony consensus and social inclusion
Economy - Marxists
Advocate replacing capitalism with a centrally planned economy based on common ownership
Under communism they argue economic production wil be determined solely off of human needs
Economy - social democrats
Accept a degree of free market capitalism
Favour a mixed economy with some key industry nationalisation and also private enterprises
Endorse Keynesian intervention techniques to regulate capitalism and maintain employment
Economy - third way
Readily accept the primacy of the free market in the economy in their view is the most efficient system of production resulting in economic growth and encourages desirable personal qualities
Rejected state intervention on the grounds that it discourages investment and stifles the entrepreneurs initiative
