Socialism

Question 1

What is socialism?

Answer 1

An ideology which criticises the inequality created by capitalism, and advocates redistribution of resources to create a fairer system

Question 2

What is socialism’s relationship with Marxism and Communism?

Answer 2

Socialism is the parent of these ideologies, it pre-dates them

Question 3

What does socialism think about poverty?

Answer 3

Socialists see poverty as a bad thing, which serves no social purpose

Question 4

What does socialism think about class?

Answer 4

Socialists divide society into haves and have-nots

Question 5

What does socialism think about egalitarianism?

Answer 5

There should be social and economic equality for all, not just political and legal equality

Question 6

What kind of equality does socialism look for?

Answer 6

Equality of outcome, rather than equality of opportunity or equality of treatment

Question 7

What do socialists generally believe about ownership of the means of production?

Answer 7

A bourgeoisie-owned means of production is exploitative and creates inequality; the state should take control of key industries

Question 8

What is the difference between the views of democratic socialists and social democrats on popular sovereignty?

Answer 8

Democratic socialists believe in direct democracy; social democrats believe in representative democracy

Question 9

What do socialists believe about human nature?

Answer 9

Optimistic view: we are creative and social beings, who thrive when working and co-operating

Question 10

How do socialists believe we find freedom?

Answer 10

By developing and fulfilling our potential

Question 11

What is different about social democracy compared to socialism?

Answer 11

Social democrats wish to implement socialism through the already existing democratic systems. Social democracy embraces the free market, correcting its inequalities through high spending on welfare and social security

Question 12

When did Labour change their constitution and remove Clause IV?

Answer 12

1995

Question 13

How do liberals & conservatives criticise socialist beliefs about human nature?

Answer 13

They claim that the socialist view is too optimistic, that people are naturally individualistic

Question 14

How do socialist ideas about equality clash with liberals’?

Answer 14

Liberals believe everyone starts from the same place but should end in different places depending on inequalities in skill, whereas socialists think everyone should have the same outcome

Question 15

What would be difficult about the transition from capitalism to socialism?

Answer 15

1. Resistance from the rich
2. Difficulties of nationalising MNC-owned industries
3. International distrust

Question 16

What is socialism harder in a globalised world?

Answer 16

1. MNCs own lots of industries
2. Less control over national economy
3. Socialist economy needs isolation, and the world is increasingly co-operative
4. Ubiquity of liberalism

Question 17

Why has social democracy failed?

Answer 17

1. Strength of world capitalism
2. Most social democrats are middle-class bourgeoisie
3. Radicalism is electorally unpopular