socialism Flashcards
define collectivism
collaboration amongst humans allows for greater practical value to the economy and society
define fraternity
humans bound together through having a common goal, despite differences like class between them
features of collectivism
- fraternity
- people are to self sufficient and are only understood in collaboration with society
- interests if the group should take priority over self interest
- membership of a community offers fulfilment and true freedom
- states can interfere in terms of nationalisation to allow for fair distribution of resources
define common humanity and features of it
nature of humans as social creatures who prefer cooperation and rationality
- humans can form connections and harness capabilities of the whole group
- capitalism puts people against each other, and promotes aggressiveness and selfishness
- humans are driven by a desire to contribute to the betterment of society
features of equality in socialism
- economic inequality is due to structural inequalities in capitalism
- egalitarianism is a theory designed to remove inequalities and ensure everyone has a fair chance in life
- reinforces collectivism and cooperation
- satisfy basic human needs by giving people the necessities to survive
define common ownership
means of production are owned commonly so everyone benefits
different types of equality
equalities of outcome- rewards should be based on individuals contribution
absolute equality- everyone will review the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society
equality of opportunity- everyone should have an equal chance to make the best of their abilities
equality of welfare- society is inevitably unequal but everyone is entitled to a minimum standard of living
features of social class in socialism
- conflict between social class is the driving force behind change in socaity
- connection between socialism and working class politics has weakened due to deindustrialisation and rise of post industrial sectors
features of workers control in socialism
- complete or partial ownership of an economic enterprise by those employed
- real decision making powers for workers
- promotes collective effort and teamwork
- dilute capitalism
- avoid alienation in the workplace
marxist view on equality
absolute equality and equality of outcome
marxist view in the state
- controlled distribution of goods and services
- common ownership
- argues the state is ruled by bourgeoisie who use institutions to maintain their dominance
- leads of proletarian revolution and state will wither away into a classless society
- conflict is inevitable between bourgeoisie and proletariat- divides into haves and have nots
social democratic view on equality
equality of opportunity and equality of welfare
social democracts view on state
- limited state intervention to achieve relative equality via welfare measures
- aim to remove absolute poverty and only a certain level of inequality can be tolerated
- state does not own or control anything but instead adjusts distribution
- reform instead of remove capitalism as it is needed for human motivation
third way view of equality
equality of opportunity and equality of welfare
third way view on state
- rejects top down state intervention
- promotes social inclusion and a meritocratic social system
- welfare should target socially marganised groups, especially those who will be self reliant and work if given help
-focus on social investment in infrastructure adn education
socialist shared view
- humans are social creatures who are cooperative and rational
- state is needed in some way to achieve socialism
- society should be cooperative and unified
-some state intervention is needed to plan economic affairs - class explains divide in society
marxist view on society
- eventually lead to a classless society
- historical materialism- everything is based on the economy, including structure of society
- inevitable conflict between ruling class and working people
marxist view on economy
- replace capitalism through dialectic change- change through capitalism to communism
- production for human need
- common ownership
social democrats view on society
- conccensus and harmonious society
- class differences can be reduced through peaceful improvements like welfare and redistribution
- industrialisation and rise in service industry has meant more people identify as middle class
social democrats view on economy
- keynesian economy- mixed
third way view on society
- value community and social responsibility
- class is no longer existent
third way view on economy
- free market capitalism is the most efficient system of production and rejects state intervention in economy
- competition helps to develop national workforces skills
marx and engels ideas
- historical materialism
- dialectic change
- class consciousness needed for oppressed to overthrow their oppressors
- see humans as social, rational and cooperative
- capitalism means humans cannot realise their own potential
- communist society- abolish private property and class differences
- allow for work that is fulfilling g and enable free creative production
webb ideas
- “inevitability of gradualness”- peaceful reforms
- rejected class struggles
- opposed workers control
- average person is limited, selfish and uninformed
- preferred representative democracy with skilled governing class
- expansion of state to deliver socialism- collectivism provided utilities
- state would expand as more areas of life would need to be regulated
- central state action- planning nations production, distribution and exchange
luxemburg ideas
- cannot be gradual reform
- proletariat had to achieve a revolutionary conquest of political power
- any evolutionary strategy would leave economic exploitation intact
- struggle by proletariat was essential for class-consciousness
- rejected small, centralised party- “dividing wall” created between leaders and mass membership
- successful and unsuccessful strikes, which will lead to a mass strike to bring about socialism
crossland ideas
- modern capitalism lacks internal tensions to drive social change
- aim to manage capitalism to deliver greater social equality
- economic efficiency- no clear relationship between individuals status and importance of their economic function
- more communitarian society as inequalities created resentments
- need for social justice- “democratic equality”
- against meritocracy as it is due to nature and nurture
- high levels of government spending on welfare and redistribution of wealth
- keynesian economy
- development of secondary and higher education
gidden ideas
- rejection of state intervention- only in social investment like education otherwise it encourages dependency
- free market- efficient and encourages individual responsibility
- equality of opportunity
- community- social cohesion, shared values
- declining importance of hierarchy and class conflict
- social contract- government invests in service and people are economically active
