Socialism

Question 1

Collectivism

Answer 1

The interests of a group should take priority over individual self interest
Collectivism uses the capabilities of the whole of society efficiently

Question 2

How does collectivism reflect human nature

Answer 2

Humans are social animals and have the capacity for collective action tied together by the bonds of fraternity

Question 3

Marxist collectivism view

Answer 3

Advocate collective action through a centralised state that organised all production and distribution

Question 4

Socialists collectivism

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Two criticisms of collectivism

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Socialist belief in commmon humanity

Answer 6

Humans are social creatures with a tendency towards co operation soicioability and rationality
The individual cannot be understood without reference to society

Question 7

Socialist beliefs of competition

Answer 7

Promotes social divisions and. Generates conflict hostility and resentment
Capitalistic economic competition sets one person against another

Question 8

Socialists view of state regarding common humanity

Answer 8

Has led socialists to support an interventionist role of the state to provide material incentive

Question 9

Three benefits of equality to socialism

Answer 9

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)

Question 10

Marxists view on equality

Answer 10

Demand absolute equality for everyone in terms of material awards and life opportunities

Question 11

Social Democrat view of equality

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

Reasons for common ownership

Answer 12

Wealth is created by communal endeavour so should be owned collectively
Private property encourages materialism and creates social conflict

Question 13

Why is equality of opportunity rejected by Marxists

Answer 13

It does not seek to remove capitalism and its structural inequalities

Question 14

Different views on equality of welfare

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Marxists view of social class

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Social democratic view of social class

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Workers control

Answer 17

Complete or partial ownership of economic enterprise

Question 18

Revolutionary socialism key points

Answer 18

-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

Question 19

Social democracy key points

Answer 19

-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

Question 20

Third way key points

Answer 20

-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

Question 21

The state - Marxists

Answer 21

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

Question 22

The state - social democrats

Answer 22

Limited state intervention in social and economic affairs can safeguard the public

Question 23

The state - neo revisionists/ third way

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Society - Marxism

Answer 24

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)

Question 25

Society - social democrats

Answer 25

Accept that class inequality exist and these social differences can be reduced through peaceful improvement

Deindustrialisatoin. Made all relatively middle class

Question 26

Society - third way

Answer 26

Stresses harmony consensus and social inclusion

Question 27

Economy - Marxists

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Economy - social democrats

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Economy - third way

Answer 29

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