Socialism Flashcards
1
Q
What are the different periods of socialism?
A
Utopian, Revolutionary, Evolutionary.
2
Q
What was the aim of Utopian Socialism?
A
Wanted to create separate, non capitalist societies through voluntary agreement.
3
Q
What did Revolutionary Socialism argue for?
A
Argued for the complete overthrow of capitalism by force, not people choosing to become socialist.
4
Q
What did Evolutionary socialism argue for?
A
A gradual reform of capitalism to reverse its’ effects by democratic agreement.
5
Q
Why was there developments in socialist thinking?
A
Revolutions in other nations, WW1, WWII, Changes within capitalism and conservatism, emergence of the labour party.
6
Q
What are some examples of socialist policies?
A
Public ownership and control of capital, collective provision of welfare, NHS, free education. Progressive taxation.
7
Q
What are the key principles of socialism?
A
Human nature is positive or neutral - rationality is impaired by socialisation in capitalism. Property is a social construct, and should be held in the common good, or redistributed to create greater equality of outcome.
8
Q
What did Marx say about collectivism?
A
‘No man is an island entirely of himself, every man is a piece of a continent, a part of a main.’
9
Q
What was the significance of Collectivism, according to Marx?
A
Importance of community - No man is an island. More can be achieved if you work together.
10
Q
What was Marx and Engels’ of collectivism?
A
Humans had been contaminated by capitalism, humans are malleable, co-operative and selfless. Two classes - proletariat and bourgeoisie. Change is inevitable, and has to come from revolutionary means.
11
Q
What were Marx’s arguments against capitalism?
A
Modern work is alienating, modern work is insecure, the proletariat are paid little, capitalism is unstable.
12
Q
Why did Marx say capitalism was alienating, insecure, and unstable?
A
Workers need to see themselves in their work, people are all replaceable, crises are all endemic of capitalism.
13
Q
Why did Marx say workers must see themselves in their work?
A
They are derived from their work. labour is a way to externalise what we have inside, specialisation leads to alienation, fulfilment in your work is a part of your state of mind.
14
Q
How has technology made people’s lives better?
A
Can make the economy more efficient, can provide more jobs overall.
15
Q
How was technology made people’s lives worse?
A
Encourages overconsumption, stops people seeing themselves in their own work, leads to alienation.
16
Q
Why would a modern economy please Marx?
A
The modern economy is very productive, education is free, and most people own a car.
17
Q
What does Marx believe about unemployment?
A
Unemployment = Freedom. It can be for a good reason, because we’re good at making things efficiently.
18
Q
What is Commodity Fetishism?
A
The idea that the capitalist system forces everyone to put economic interests at the heart of their lives, to the detriment of relationships.
19
Q
Why would Marx disagree with early 20th century feminists?
A
Because of the feminist insistence perpetuating human slavery - whereas men and women should both have freedom from capitalism.
20
Q
What are the key ideas of the communist manifesto?
A
No private property, raised income tax, free public education, centralised control of banking, communication, transport and industry.
21
Q
Why would a Marxist version of communism be hard to achieve today?
A
The system is set up around people being employed, moving from that would make people poorer in the short term.
22
Q
What is Surplus value?
A
A term used by Marx to indicate the difference between the amount raised through a sale of a product, and the amount it cost the product’s owner to manufacture that product.
23
Q
What is False Consciousness?
A
Denoted Marx’s view that capitalism fosters in its’ workers a distorted outlook, at odds with their real interests.
24
Q
What is class consciousness?
A
Said to be a by-product of capitalism that would eventually develop among the proletariat.
25
What is Dialectic?
The clash of ideas that takes place within each stage of history.
26
What is historical materialism?
Said that the history of human development can be divided into various episodes.
27
What are the first 4 stages of Dialectical materialism?
1 - Primitive society. 2 - Slave based economy. 3 - Feudal economy. 4 - Capitalist economy.
28
What are the last 4 stages of Dialectical materialism?
5 - Proletariat class consciousness. 6 - Revolution, destruction of capitalism. 7 - Dictatorship of the proletariat. 8 - Communism.
29
Why did Marx and Engels believe revolution was inevitable?
Capitalism sowed the seeds of its' own destruction, each of the economic crises would be worse than the last, Marx dismissed the idea that capitalism could be reformed. Each historical stage was a clash of economic ideas and interests.
30
What were Marx's predictions about the new socialist state?
A dictatorship of the proletariat would emerge, which would oversee the replacement of private ownership. Emergence of a new culture stressing co-operation, fraternity, solidarity. The state would eventually wither away.
31
What is the Vanguard?
A revolutionary elite party which would help perform critical tasks for the proletariat, to help them achieve socialism.
32
What were the tasks of the vanguard?
Plan and incite the revolutionary overthrow of the existing state. Re-educate the masses in the basic virtues of socialism, form a new communist party, perform democratic centralism - one party state.
33
What was Marx's crisis theory?
Crises are regular features of capitalist development. Crises are crises of overproduction, and there is economic disequilibrium due to less centralisation. The division of society creates class struggles.
34
What is common ownership?
Nationalisation of key industries such as rail, mail, water, energy. Marx attacked private property and championed co-operatives.
35
Why is common ownership important to Socialists?
It's seen to ensure the needs of the many, not the few. The public sector can allocate scarce resources in a more equitable manner than the free market.
36
What is Clause IV?
An example of Socialists supporting common ownership, as it talks about workers securing the 'full fruits of their labour.'
37
What did Clause IV mean?
A commendation of state ownership of the economy, after nationalisation of the means of production.
38
What can common ownership lead to?
Imposing economic equality, creates a natural state of society, directs commonly owned property to serve the interests of the whole community.
39
What did Luxemburg say about capitalism and evolutionary socialism?
She accepted that capitalism promoted exploitation, and conflicted with humanity's natural fraternal instincts. Argued that evolutionary socialism was impossible - only revolution could create real change.
40
What did Luxemburg believe about Dialectical theories about history?
She disagreed with them, and said that revolution could happen at any time.
41
What else did Luxemburg say about revolution?
It should happen spontaneously after class consciousness had been reached. Mass strike action would develop spontaneously from class consciousness.
42
What did Luxemburg believe about the new socialist state which would emerge after revolution?
She wanted a new democracy, with open debate and elections, not dictatorship of the proletariat.
43
What did Luxemburg believe about communist parties?
They should contest elections and engage with the existing political system, as this made it easier for communist parties to convey a message of revolution to the masses.
44
Why did Luxemburg disagree with vanguardism?
She believed revolution should come from workers spontaneously, not from the elite.
45
How did Luxemburg agree with Marx?
Revolution is inevitable, capitalism promotes exploitation, capitalism is contrary to humanity's co-operative instincts. Socialism couldn't be gradually achieved through legislation. Big change is necessary.
46
How did Luxemburg disagree with Marx?
Revolution isn't only through a vanguard, class consciousness could be brought about more quickly by workers' participation. Mass strike by workers provides living heartbeat of the revolution.
47
What is democratic socialism?
Believes socialism can be achieved within the existing political system.
48
What are the main principles of Webb and Democratic socialism?
Capitalism was the principal cause of crippling poverty and inequality, paternalism and philanthropy weren't sustainable solutions to society's problems. Poverty and inequality are more likely to be eliminated through state intervention and trade unionism. Effective reform is gradual.
49
What was the background of Beatrice Webb?
She was surrounded by people who had taken traditional routes with her background. Was interested in strains of lower class life. Lived and worked amongst the poor. Married a lower middle class man.
50
Who did Webb align with early on in her career?
Chartists, who wanted to influence government by permeating it.
51
What did Webb believe about the state?
It should intervene by provision of clean water, and gas. She wanted to achieve socialism by taking over the state, and through elections.
52
What did the Fabian society decide to later, and what did it achieve?
Align with the labour party, and was involved in drafting clause IV.
53
How was evolutionary socialism different to revolutionary socialism?
Achieve socialism through democracy and persuasion, effective reform tends to be gradual, not revolutionary. Socialism is better being implemented through bureaucracy, not uprisings. They both wanted extensive state ownership.
54
What were the successes of gradualism?
Created clause IV, created welfare state, Beveridge report, created NHS, created nationalised industries. Central state planning.
55
What were the failures of gradualism?
Most achievements were undone by Thatcher, and unchanged by Blair. Later market based forces were more influential. There are inefficiencies within bureaucracy.
56
How does the tadpole theory link to Webb's ideas?
The opportunity to rise isn't equal, as people's conditions aren't equal. People at the bottom of the ladder haven't had an opportunity to thrive. Education still isn't equal.
57
What does the tadpole theory say about Equality of opportunity?
It's bad, because it doesn't go far enough. It acts as an excuse for inequality, as some tadpoles will still be at the bottom - Equality of opportunity ensures some do worse.
58
What were the main principles of socialism between 1945-1979?
Defence of the parliamentary system, pursuit of equal rights and equality of opportunity. State opportunity of large strategic interests in order to prevent capitalist monopolies. Provision of a welfare state with compulsory benefits for those in work. Personal services provided by local government.
59
What are the examples of revolutionary socialism in practice?
Russian revolution - aimed to build a classless society. Chinese revolution - distribution of land from landlords to peasants.
60
What are the examples of democratic socialism in practice?
UK - 1945-1979. Creation of NHS, Nationalisation of coal, steel. Scandinavia - Universal healthcare, high taxes, labour rights.
61
Who were the revolutionary socialist thinkers?
Marx, Engels, Luxemburg.
62
Who were the democratic socialist thinkers?
Webb, Tony Benn, Corbyn.
63
What was the Minority report, which Webb was the lead author of?
Examined the state's approach to poverty.
64
What did it argue?
The state should guarantee a sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage, when able bodied, treatment when sick, modest livelihood.
65
What were Webb's views on capitalism?
Economic conditions of Britain's working class had actually improve significantly since the 19th century. He rejected capitalism as a long term economic system.
66
What did Webb say about private ownership?
An economy based on private ownership is inherently unpredictable, unstable, and at odds with equitable distribution of wealth. Wanted a more 'orderly economy.'
67
What did Webb say about revolutions?
Said revolutions are intrinsically chaotic and counterproductive, and they're not the best starting point for a socialist society.
68
What did Webb say about the existing system?
The capitalist society was more versatile and responsive than Marx said. Conservatives used the existing state effectively to make change, so socialists should too.
69
What is revisionist socialism?
A form of evolutionary socialism which assumes equality can be achieved without destruction of capitalism.
70
What did Crosland argue about common ownership?
It had gone far enough, and was a method of achieving socialism, not the end goal.
71
Why was capitalism no longer in its' purest form, according to Crosland?
Because of Keynesian economics, and the welfare state was allowed to expand.
72
What did Crosland believe about socialism?
It requires a mixed economy, comprising of private ownership and private enterprise.
73
What did Crosland argue socialism should focus on rather than Nationalisation?
Education, as this is a root cause of inequality.
74
Why did Crosland believe Marx's arguments were increasingly irrelevant?
Because capitalism had changed so much, Britain was no longer truly capitalist. Socialism couldn't only be achieved by ending private ownership.
75
Why is social democracy different to democratic socialism?
It's more relaxed about people becoming richer, they believe income can be taxed to reduce inequality. Democratic socialism wanted to replace capitalism with collective ownership.
76
Why did Crosland believe that Alienation and confrontation were unavoidable in publicly and privately owned industries?
He said that modern production required a 'central nucleus of managerial control.'
77
What did Crosland say about the comparison between Capitalist Britain and Soviet Russia?
Russia also had income inequality, that central planning was possible under a capitalist society, and that workers have more rights in Britain than Russia.
78
Why did Crosland disagree with collective ownership of property being key to socialism?
He believed that confrontation is inevitable, no matter the economic structure, and it leads to alienation. He also said that both collectivism and private ownership are consistent with varying degrees of liberty, democracy, and equality.
79
What were Crosland's arguments for equality?
Inequality breeds resentment, strikes are characteristic of class antagonism, inequality is inefficient, inequality offends against social justice. There is no meritocracy currently. Unearned wealth is wrong.
80
What did Crosland say about the grammar school system?
The use of the 11+ to divide children is wrong, and grammar schools are dominated by the middle and upper class.
81
What did Crosland say about private schools?
There is no equality of opportunity as long as private schools exist. All schools should be mixed. There should be a gradual integration of private schools into the state system.
82
What did Crosland say should replace private, grammar, and secondary modern schools?
Comprehensive schools, which would break down class divisions more effectively than public ownership. This would emphasise community over class identity.
83
What did Crosland believe about managed capitalism?
This, along with wealth redistribution, can deliver social justice. The state shouldn't discourage hard work and investment - a growing economy would do the most to improve living standards.
84
What did Crosland believe about wealth taxes?
There was considerable room to increase wealth taxes - redistribution of power and advantage. Higher capital gains tax, higher inheritance tax, higher gift taxes to prevent the wealthy from avoiding inheritance tax.
85
What is a mixed economy?
One which is largely capitalist, but where the state owns parts of society, where capitalism was problematic.
86
What did Crosland believe about the state, with the free market?
The government should use the state power where the free market fails. Raise corporate taxes, the highest salaries should be lower. Further nationalisation would have been unpopular.
87
What did Crosland believe about economic growth?
Constant economic growth allowed constant growth in tax revenue, expansion of public services, allowing redistribution of wealth.
88
What did Crosland say was the best way to achieve socialist outcomes?
Public spending, not public ownership, with a welfare state - NHS, state education, social security.
89
What was Crosland's view on society?
A growing managerial class meant that the old societal divisions were now outdated. This new class were managing and directing the post war economy, without owning it.
90
What did Crosland believe about Social class divisions, and how they can be solved?
They can be improved while retaining a market economy. Class co-operation, not class struggle. The state still has a key role to play in narrowing divided between class in society.
91
What is Social democracy's view on human nature?
Human nature is malleable, and shaped by the economic and social circumstances people are in. Humans have a strong sense of social justice. Humans object to gross inequalities of wealth.
92
How did Social Democracy believe envy and resentment can be mitigated?
By state intervention in the marketplace.
93
What are the differences between previous socialism and social democracy?
Less of a focus on common ownership, believes in equality of opportunity, talks about individualism, believes capitalism can be a force for good, if moderated. Not just bourgeoisie and proletariat.
94
What are the similarities between social democracy and previous socialism?
Both disagree with rampant inequality, fairer society is the aim, capitalism can be mitigated with state intervention, believes in taxing wealth and inheritance tax.
95
When did Anthony Giddens write about the Third way?
The 80's and 90's, as new right free market capitalism was taking off as an economic theory.
96
What did Giddens argue about survival of socialism, in the form of social democracy?
It meant recognising that free market capitalism had a capacity to empower individuals.
97
When did he say capitalism functioned best?
When there's a strong sense of social cohesion.
98
Why was triangulation required?
To encourage neo-liberal economic policy, because capitalism had encouraged huge industrial units of mass production.
99
What did he say about individuals in the modern workforce?
They feel alienated, and individuals find it harder to develop, as society was becoming ill defined.
100
What did Giddens say about individualism?
The third way should try to offset the consequences of less individualism.
101
What did Giddens say about inequality?
Greater inequality of income might be inevitable.
102
What are the similarities between social democracy and the third way?
Both advocated non-revolutionary socialism, both wanted to harness capitalism to achieve greater equality, the future of socialism involved more public spending, not public ownership. Clause IV is obselete.
103
What are the differences between social democracy and the third way?
Western capitalism was no longer threatened by communism, more globalisation by third way, third way recognised the lasting impact of new right governments in the 1980's, third way recognised embourgeoisement.
104
What are the key ideas of the third way?
Triangulation, remixed economy, cultural equality, communitarianism, redistribution of political power.
105
What did Triangulation involve?
Combining social democracy and new right conservatism - social values of social democracy, and neo-liberal economics of the new right.
106
What did a remixed economy involve?
Globalisation challenged the idea that national governments can manage their economies, extend capitalism, deregulate financial services, higher profits leading to higher tax revenue.
107
What did cultural equality involve?
Modern society is more diverse, multi racial and cosmopolitan than in the 1950's, laws promoting racial, gender, and sexual equality. Enthused about a multicultural society.
108
Why did the third way involve communitarianism?
To repair divisions within society, ensure society isn't damaged by racial and cultural tensions. It's important to validate ethnic minority communities, individual freedom is impossible without a stable, harmonious society.
109
Why did the third way believe in redistribution of political power?
Increasingly centralised state, ensuring uniform provision of services across society, reforms to share political power such as devolution, regional mayors. Spread power within parliament.
110
What were the criticisms of the third way?
Produced a widening inequality of wealth between richest and poorest sections of society, changed equal opportunity to 'opportunities for everyone.' Some saw it as another form of liberalism, not socialism.
111
What were the other ideas of the third way?
Non-revolutionary socialism, capitalism providing greater equality, more public spending, not ownership. Government should create the conditions to facilitate economic growth.
112
What were the core ideas of new labour?
State should co-operate with the private sector, more education, transport, changing clause IV, common ownership not a priority, believed in emphasis on enterprise, neo-liberal economic policy, focus on eliminating poverty.
113
What were the similarities between new labour and thatcherism?
Neo-liberal economic policy, some government intervention to take people from below the poverty line, push poorest to a position where they can improve their lives.
114
How does the third way reconcile itself with capitalism?
Wants to use some of the neo-liberal economic policy of the new right, with deregulation, globalisation, enlarging the private sector. Mandelson said he's 'intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich, as long as they pay their taxes.'
115
How does the third way support the poorest in society?
Gives resources to the poorest, to help them improve their own lives, surestart gave parents advice, and created healthy habits, state should address problems of social exclusion, such as long term unemployed, the disabled, families in poverty. Welfare system should attempt to solve the problem of social exclusion.
