Socialism Flashcards
What is socialism?
An ideology which criticises the inequality created by capitalism, and advocates redistribution of resources to create a fairer system
What is socialism’s relationship with Marxism and Communism?
Socialism is the parent of these ideologies, it pre-dates them
What does socialism think about poverty?
Socialists see poverty as a bad thing, which serves no social purpose
What does socialism think about class?
Socialists divide society into haves and have-nots
What does socialism think about egalitarianism?
There should be social and economic equality for all, not just political and legal equality
What kind of equality does socialism look for?
Equality of outcome, rather than equality of opportunity or equality of treatment
What do socialists generally believe about ownership of the means of production?
A bourgeoisie-owned means of production is exploitative and creates inequality; the state should take control of key industries
What is the difference between the views of democratic socialists and social democrats on popular sovereignty?
Democratic socialists believe in direct democracy; social democrats believe in representative democracy
What do socialists believe about human nature?
Optimistic view: we are creative and social beings, who thrive when working and co-operating
How do socialists believe we find freedom?
By developing and fulfilling our potential
What is different about social democracy compared to socialism?
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
When did Labour change their constitution and remove Clause IV?
1995
How do liberals & conservatives criticise socialist beliefs about human nature?
They claim that the socialist view is too optimistic, that people are naturally individualistic
How do socialist ideas about equality clash with liberals’?
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
What would be difficult about the transition from capitalism to socialism?
- Resistance from the rich
- Difficulties of nationalising MNC-owned industries
- International distrust
What is socialism harder in a globalised world?
- MNCs own lots of industries
- Less control over national economy
- Socialist economy needs isolation, and the world is increasingly co-operative
- Ubiquity of liberalism
Why has social democracy failed?
- Strength of world capitalism
- Most social democrats are middle-class bourgeoisie
- Radicalism is electorally unpopular
