socialism

Question 1

Karl Marx and Friedrich engels

Answer 1

(1818-1883) and (1820-1895)
Nicknamed the ‘father of socialism’, Marx (with his lifelong collaborator Engels) brought socialist ideas to the forefront of political debate. Their work The Communist Manifesto (1848) included the ideas of humans as sociable beings, and focused on the importance of social class.

Question 2

Marx and engels on human nature

Answer 2

Humans are sociable, and their behaviour is more affected by nurture than nature. Under socialism, workers can reach their true potential.

Question 3

Marx and engels on the state

Answer 3

Social class is defined by wealth and income. The state should be overthrown and replaced with a socialist model that is more equal.

Question 4

Marx and engels on society

Answer 4

Workers should control the means of production as they are the most important element within society.

Question 5

marx and engels on the economy

Answer 5

Exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie means that a proletarian revolution will occur as capitalism treats workers poorly.

Question 6

Marx and engels on a socialist revolution

Answer 6

“The proletariats have nothing to lose but their chains. Working Men of All Countries, Unite!”

Question 7

marx and engels on society

Answer 7

“Society does not consist of individuals but expresses the sum of interrelations, the relations within which these individuals stand.”

Question 8

Beatrice Webb

Answer 8

(1858-1943)
Webb helped to bring the ideas of democratic socialism to life, believing that while capitalism had a negative impact on society, it should be gradually faded out rather than through a revolution as Marx, Engels and other revolutionary socialists envisioned

Question 9

Beatrice Webb on human nature

Answer 9

Workers are selfish and limited. Democracy should therefore be representative as it would lead to a skilled elite government subject to democratic constraints. “The possession of wealth, and especially the inheritance of wealth, seems almost invariably to sterilize genius.”

Question 10

Beatrice Webb on The state

Answer 10

Gradual state growth is beneficial as changes can be made moderately without the need for violent revolution.

Question 11

Beatrice webb on society

Answer 11

Organisation of society and the economy would be needed in order to achieve socialism at the most effective level.

Question 12

beatrice webb on the economy

Answer 12

The means of production should be taken into common ownership by the state.“Nature still obstinately refuses to co-operate by making the rich people innately superior to the poor people.”

Question 13

Rosa Luxemburg

Answer 13

(1871-1919)
Luxemburg sought to build on Marx and Engels’ ideas, by demonstrating how class consciousness would result in a revolution to bring about socialism. She helped to establish the German Communist Party after World War One.

Question 14

rosa Luxemburg on human nature

Answer 14

Class consciousness would develop as a number of proletarian strikes would culminate in a socialist revolution. Party politics is not needed for this to occur.

Question 15

rosa Luxemburg on the state

Answer 15

The state will be overthrown by the revolution from the proletariat. This will result in the state being controlled by the workers.

Question 16

rosa Luxemburg on society

Answer 16

A society based on capitalism exploits labourers. A class struggle will lead to workers controlling the society, which will stop this exploitation.

Question 17

rosa luxemburg on the economy

Answer 17

Any attempt at revisionist or evolutionary socialism would leave element of capitalism intact. A socialist revolution is the only way to achieve true socialism.

Question 18

Anthony Crosland

Answer 18

(1918-1977)
A Labour Party politician and former Foreign Secretary of the UK, Crosland believed that capitalism had to be adapted to be managed by the state. Further use of Keynesian economics would benefit society than a socialist revolution.

Question 19

Anthony Crossland on Human nature

Answer 19

Equality would lead to co-operation and community, creating desirable qualities within society.

Question 20

Anthony Crossland on The state

Answer 20

The state should be enabling; providing welfare to fund assistance for the poorest in society. The state should therefore manage capitalism to deliver this equality.

Question 21

Anthony Crossland on Society

Answer 21

Society should move to remove class barriers and create a fairer society based on Keynesian economics and increased welfare.

Question 22

Anthony Crossland on The economy

Answer 22

Keynesian economics maintains low inflation, high employment and raises living standards. Economic expansion should fund welfare initiatives.

Question 23

Anthony Giddens

Answer 23

(1938-)
The author of The Third Way (1997), Giddens’ theory represented a stark departure from the socialism of the past. Inspiring Tony Blair’s New Labour revolution, Giddens’ ideas looked to satisfy the social democratic belief in changing the nature of capitalism with neo-liberal economic principles. He also believed in an inequality of outcome, as research suggested this would increase economic growth.

Question 24

Anthony giddens on Human nature

Answer 24

Social cohesion can be achieved through community and responsibility.

Question 25

Anthony giddens on the state

Answer 25

Welfare creates dependency. A social investment state is needed, where citizens benefit from growth of the state. Investment should therefore be in education and infrastructure.

Question 26

Anthony giddens on society

Answer 26

Society should guarantee an equal opportunity for everyone to achieve. This means that equality of outcome should be avoided.

Question 27

Anthony giddens on the economy

Answer 27

Free market economics enables growth to benefit everyone and encourages desirable competencies such as responsibility. “The new mixed economy looks…for a synergy between public and private sectors.”