socialism Flashcards
revolutionary socialism
socialism can be brought about only by the overthrow of existing political and societal structures.
species-essence
The inherent nature of humans, which involves creativity, productive labour, and social connection; in socialism, it refers to the full realisation of human potential through unalienated labour and communal living
alienation
the feeling of being seperated from society, one’s own humanity, and the products of one’s labour; under capitalism, this is a pervasive condition that socialism seeks to overcome by reintegrating individuals with their work and community.
historical materialism
The theory that material conditions and economic factors shape society’s structure and historical development; in socialism, this means that societal progress and change are driven by economic forces and class struggle, leading toward a classless society.
means of production
The physical, non-human inputs like factories, machines, and tools used to produce goods; in socialism, these should be collectively owned and controlled by the workers.
relations of production
The social relationships and dynamics between different classes that arise from the economic system; socialism aims to transform these relationships to be based on cooperation and communal benefit instead of exploitation and private profit
class struggle
The ongoing conflict between different classes with opposing interests, primarily the bourgeoisie and proletariat; socialism seeks to resolve this conflict by abolishing classes and creating a society without exploitation.
suprerstructure
The cultural, ideological, and institutional structures that arise from and support the economic base; in a socialist society, the superstructure would reflect and support the collective, egalitarian base, promoting socialist values and institutions.
Bourgeoisie
The capitalist class that owns the means of production and exploits the labour of the proletariat; socialism aims to dismantle this class by abolishing private property and ending their control over the means of production
false class consciousness
The lack of awareness of one’s true class position and interests, often due to the influence of the dominant ideology; socialism seeks to eradicate this by raising awareness and promoting class consciousness among the proletariat.
Proletariat
The working class that sells their labour power and is exploited by the bourgeoisie; socialism seeks to empower this class to overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a classless, socialist society.
Social Democracy
an ideological view that wishes to humanise capitalism in the interests of social justice
Third Way
a middle-ground alternative route to socialism and free-market capitalism
According to Marx, How does the proletariat “sell their labour”?
They sell their time, agreeing to work a set number of hours each day for their employer in exchange for money they can use for commodities.
According to Marx, what is surplus value?
A worker agrees to work 8 hours for $80, meaning if in the 4 hours they make $80, the remaining 4 hours are essentially unpaid. The proletariat is forced to sell their labour power even if what they make is more than what they get paid.
