Socialism Flashcards
1
Q
What are the different strands of socialism?
A
- Revolutionary Socialism: capitalism but be completely abolished through a revolution as reform is impossible
- evolutionary socialism: gradual, democratic reform. Accepts a mixed economy but wants reduce inequality
- Third Way: a modern form of socialism that has a mix of social democracy and free-market economics. Supports privatisation, regulation and free markets while keeping social justice and welfare
2
Q
Who are the key thinkers for each strand?
A
- Revolutionary Socialism: Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Rosa Luxemburg
- Social democracy: Beatrice Webb, Anthony Crossland
- Third Way: Anthony Giddens
3
Q
what was Marx and Engels’ view on human nature?
A
- human nature is originally fraternal and careless
- has been contaminated by capitalism
- revolutionary socialism will fix this
4
Q
What Marx and Engels’ view on the state?
A
- tool of the ruling class, enforcing capitalism
- must be overthrown and replaced with a ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’,
- eventually wither away in a classless society
5
Q
What was Marx and Engels’ on society
A
- society is defined by class conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat
- a communist society would abolish class distinctions
6
Q
What was Marx and Engels’ view on the economy?
A
- capitalism is corrupt and exploitative, concentrating wealth in a few hands
- the economy should be collectivised with resources distributed to ‘from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.’
7
Q
What was Rosa Luxemburg’s view on human nature?
A
- human nature has not been damaged to the extent Marx claims
- But capitalism restricts potential
- Revolution is needed to unlock true human freedom
8
Q
what was Rosa Luxemburg’s view on the state?
A
- the existing capitalist state must be destroyed by revolution
- The working class must actively engage in revolution, as socialism cannot be imposed from above
- should be replaced with a genuine democracy with free speech and elections
9
Q
what was Rosa Luxemburg’s view on society?
A
- society is shaped by class struggle
- the working class must actively engage in revolution to install socialism
- there are some current alternate societies within current societies within proletarian societies
10
Q
what was Rosa Luxemburg’s view on the economy
A
- capitalism is more resilient than Marx showed
- it must be destroyed and replaced by an economy based on workers control
11
Q
What was Beatrice Webb’s view on human nature?
A
- Human’s want to be good but are limited by ignorance and selfishness
- Revolution will only further damage the human psyche
- Society should be gradually reformed to improve people’s moral character
12
Q
What was Beatrice Webb’s view on the state?
A
- the state should be gradually transformed into a socialist state
- believed this should be achieved through democratic means rather than revolution
13
Q
What was Beatrice Webb’s view on society?
A
- the poverty and inequalities of capitalism continue to slow down human potential
- society can evolve peacefully if the working class is educated and supports state intervention
14
Q
What was Beatrice Webb’s view on the economy?
A
- A chaotic capitalist economy will gradually be replaced by one which gives the workers the full fruits of their labour
- The economy should be regulated by the state ensuring fair distribution of wealth through nationalisation and welfare policies
15
Q
What was Anthony Crosland’s view on human nature?
A
- human nature has a powerful sense of ‘fairness’
- capitalism can be reformed to allow for greater social mobility
15
Q
What was Crosland’s view on the state?
A
- the state should actively redistribute wealth and provide public services to reduce inequality
- Democratic socialist governments, such as Labour 1945-51, show that the existing state can be used to create radical change
16
Q
What was Anthony Crosland’s view on society?
A
- society is no longer defined by class conflict, as capitalism has evolved.
- Instead of abolishing capitalism, socialists should focus on reducing inequality
16
Q
what was Anthony Crosland view on the economy?
A
- a mixed economy with limited public ownership and Keynesian capitalism will allow for greater public spending
- rejected nationalisation and argued for progressive taxation and social welfare to create a fairer society
17
Q
What was Gidden’s view on human nature?
A
- human nature has been shaped by changing economic conditions
- pro-fairness instinct is still present but it now competes with individual aspiration
18
Q
What was Gidden’s view on the state?
A
- the existing liberal state should be improved
- investing in infrastructure, education and welfare should be prioritised
19
Q
What was Giddens view on society?
A
- Society is increasingly individualistic
- Socialists should adapt to reality and promote opportunities rather than just equality
20
Q
What was Gidden’s view on the economy
A
- Advocated the third way, which combines free-markets with social justice
- privatisation and deregulation will provide huge amounts of tax
- this will allow for investment in public spending which can allow for opportunities
21
Q
What is the difference between revolutionary socialism and evolutionary socialism?
A
- Revolutionary socialism seeks immediate revolution and believes the state is a tool of capitalism
- Evolutionary socialism: advocates for gradual reform within capitalism, believes the state can be used for good
