Socialism Flashcards
Beatrice Webb (1858-1943)
Core Idea: Evolutionary socialism, gradual reform.
Belief: Socialism can be achieved through democratic change and gradual reforms, not revolution.
Karl Marx (1818-1883) & Friedrich Engels (1820-1895)
Core Idea: Historical materialism, class struggle, revolution.
Belief: Capitalism creates class consciousness, leading to a proletarian revolution that replaces capitalism with socialism, eventually eliminating the state.
Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919)
Core Idea: Revolutionary socialism, spontaneous revolution.
Belief: Capitalism must be destroyed through revolution; opposed gradualism, and believed in the necessity of a democratic state after the revolution.
Anthony Crosland (1918-1977)
Core Idea: State-managed capitalism, social democracy.
Belief: Capitalism can be reformed; social justice can be achieved without abolishing capitalism. Advocated for a mixed economy and welfare state.
Anthony Giddens (1938-)
Core Idea: Third way, market-driven socialism.
Belief: Capitalism must coexist with socialism; state intervention should be limited. Focus on equality of opportunity and social investment, not economic equality.
Strands of Socialism:
Revolutionary Socialism: Advocates for the violent overthrow of capitalism (Marx, Luxemburg).
Democratic Socialism: Seeks to transform capitalism gradually through democratic reforms (Webb).
Social Democracy: Aims to reform capitalism through state intervention to achieve social justice (Crosland).
Third Way: Focuses on using market wealth to invest in social services without undermining capitalism (Giddens).
Human Nature:
Socialists agree humans are naturally cooperative, but differ on how capitalism affects this (RS and DS want to abolish capitalism, SD and TW believe it can coexist with fairness).
State:
Revolutionary socialists seek to abolish the state, while democratic socialists and social democrats seek to reform it. Third way proponents want minimal state intervention.
Society:
Revolutionary socialists want radical changes, while others believe gradual reforms can achieve equality.
Economy:
Revolutionary socialists aim to replace capitalism with socialism; social democrats and third way advocates accept capitalism but seek reforms for social justice.
