Socialism- Core Ideas And Principles Flashcards
What are the five key principles of socialism?
The five key principles of socialism are: Common humanity, Collectivism, Equality, Social class, Workers’ control.
What is common humanity?
Socialists believe humans are naturally cooperative and social, preferring to work together rather than compete. Cooperation leads to mutual understanding, support, and benefits society as a whole.
What values underpin common humanity?
Fraternity (brotherhood) and community. Socialists find fulfillment in cooperative and collective work, rather than in individualism or competition.
How does common humanity justify state intervention?
Socialists argue that individuals often cannot meet their needs on their own, leading to calls for an interventionist role of the state to address individual and societal needs.
How do different branches of socialism view capitalism’s effect on common humanity?
Revolutionary Socialism
• Marx and Engels argued that capitalism corrupts human nature because the power of money corrupts those who possess it.
• Abolishing capitalism would allow common humanity to flourish, as workers would no longer be exploited, and humankind would achieve true freedom.
Democratic Socialism
• Beatrice Webb believed the state could gradually reform capitalism to eliminate its exploitative nature.
Social Democracy
• Crosland believed capitalism could be harnessed and reformed to serve the common good, improving the human condition by redistributing wealth and reducing inequality.
The Third Way
• Giddens placed emphasis on public services (like education) to create equality of opportunity and improve the human condition.
• The Third Way was less critical of capitalism’s influence compared to revolutionary socialism.
What is collectivism?
Socialists view humans as naturally social beings who work more effectively in groups. Collectivism prioritizes the group over the individual.
What do all socialists broadly agree on?
Individuals prefer to work together rather than independently. Cooperation in groups produces better results than working alone.
How does collectivism differ across socialist ideologies?
Revolutionary Socialism
• Marx and Engels advocated for the collective ownership of all industry and property.
• Common ownership would end class conflict and promote social cohesion.
Democratic Socialism
• Beatrice Webb supported cooperative federalism, where industries would be owned collectively by their workers, who would share in profits and decision-making.
• Webb also supported a strong trade union movement to represent workers and prevent exploitation.
• The state would provide public goods like healthcare, education, welfare, and transport to meet needs that cooperatives could not address.
Social Democracy
• Crosland was suspicious of collectivism as it threatened individual freedom.
• He preferred limited collectivist measures, like trade unions, but avoided excessive state control of industries.
The Third Way
• Giddens was influenced by neo-liberal ideas and opposed collectivist approaches.
• He believed the free market was the best way to run businesses and rejected renationalizing industries.
Why is equality important to socialism?
Social equality reinforces cooperation, collectivism, and the common good, fostering a peaceful society through shared goals.
How does socialism critique capitalism?
Capitalism creates economic inequality through a rigid class structure, where wealth is determined by social position rather than ability.
What are the four types of equality in socialism?
- Absolute Equality: Everyone should receive the same rewards. 2. Equality of Outcome: Economic rewards should be distributed more evenly. 3. Equality of Opportunity: Individuals should have equal chances to succeed. 4. Equality of Welfare: Everyone should have access to a minimum standard of living.
What is socialism’s view on social class?
Capitalism creates harmful class divisions and societal hierarchies. Socialists critique these divisions but differ on how to address them.
What did Marx and Engels argue about social class?
Capitalists exploit workers by taking surplus value from their labor, and revolution is inevitable because class conflict cannot be resolved under capitalism.
How did Webb view social class?
Believed the state could evolve from supporting capitalism to promoting socialism, advocating for nationalization and a welfare state.
What was Crosland’s approach?
Opposed nationalization, advocating for social justice and redistribution of wealth while maintaining individual freedom.
