socialism Flashcards
5 socialist ideas
collectivism
common humanity
equality
social class
workers control
how and when did socialism emerge
in 90th century as a response to class divisions and economic inequality’s brought about by a rise in industrial capitalism
revolutionary socialists ( historical materialist view)
Marx and engles
history inevitably transitions through a number of stages of economic development
according to marx society had developed from feudalism to capitalism and will ultimately transition to communism
what did revolutionaries believe capitalism was essentially doing
class oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie which created deep inequalities and suppressed true human nature
this would inevitably lead to a violent revolution
what would happen in the final stage of society (historical materialist view)
Communist society would be reached and the state would wither away as it would no longer be needed
what did rosa luxemburg believe about revolution
advocates for revolution, spontaneity of mass strikes and role of wc to start a revolution via overthrow
evolutionary socialists ( not named )
revisionists from revolutionary socialists
although believe socialism could be achieved gradually, through democratic processes and reforms rather than overthrow
what did evolutionary socialists advocate for that were democratic and what would this achieve
legal changes and use of political institutions to transition towards socialism as this would be less disruptive and stable
this would achieve equality, workers control and the abolition of social class
what was Webbs idea about evolutionary socialism
she believed in socialism through democracy “inevitably of gradualness”
wc will vote for socialist policies/parties and therefore control would be achieved without revo
what did luxemburg (marxist) believe about evolutionary socialism
that it abandoned class struggle which she considered essential for overthrowing capitalism
she said that the strategy of gradual reform would reinforce existing capitalist structures rather than dismantle them
Social democrats beliefs
believe in a mixed economy as capitalism was seen as less oppressive, reform capitalism to make it more equal through prog tax and exten welfare to protect workers rights
How did social democrats emerge
by the decline of traditional industrial industries,
they believed capitalism would no longer be understood in strictly binary terms as new classes had emerged
what type of economy do social democrats believe in and what does it do
keynesian economics which advocates for gov intervention especially in times of recession to stimulate demand and maintain full employment which is crucial to make capitalism work
it provides the framework for using fiscal or monetary policy to mitigate the boom and bust of capitalism
what did crosland believe about equality and capitalism
that capitalism has changed and absolute equality was less important than equality of opportunity
ensuring everyone had the opportunity to achieve a good standard of living
Third way beliefs
middle way between laissez faire and social democracy
driven by global changing economy, free market capitalism would promote economic growth
no longer believed in nationalisation of workers control
strong welfare and equality of opportunity through education
Giddens view of societal changes
reimagining of social democracy balancing individual autonomy and a supportive role for the state called the “radical centre approach”
equipping individuals to navigate society and which is crucial to progress society and economy
other strands argue that the third ways embrace of capitalism
undermine socialist commitments to challenge class oppression, workers control and equality
the third way fails to address the inequalities capitalism creates
how did new labour have third way policies (4)
-advocated for privatisation over nationalisation (removed from C4)
-blair’s gov refrained from heavy interference in market and moved away from keynesian
-focus on equality of opportunity and fairness through education “education x3 blair” and minimum wage
-reduced role of trade unions, shift towards individual responsibility
collectivism
collective action of individuals is of greater moral and practical value than individual effort
human nature is inherently sociable, fraternal and cooperative
cooperative bargaining
work together to collectively reach an outcome ( trade unions )
revolutionary socialists collectivism
believe in communist collectivism and the eradication of capitalism
Production collectively owned
eliminate private people
luxemburg view of collectivism
importance of mass strikes and working towards revolution via overthrow
essential mechanism to abolish class struggle
social democrats collectivism
believe in collectivism with capitalism
reform and humanise rather than abolish
state intervention to provide welfare/distribute, addressing inequalities
mixed econ and nationalisation
support for trade unionism to empower workers and balance power dynamics
Atlee lab gov collectivism
post ww2 nationalisation of key industries manages to ensure equitable access to entire population
