Socialism- Differing Views And Tensions Flashcards
What do all socialists agree on regarding human nature?
Socialists believe human nature is inherently optimistic, emphasizing sociability, rationality, and cooperation. Human nature is shaped by society and can be improved. Socialists argue that capitalism negatively influences human nature by fostering selfishness and greed.
How do Revolutionary Socialists view capitalism’s effect on human nature?
Revolutionary Socialists (Marx and Engels) argue that capitalism corrupts human potential and deforms human nature. A revolution is necessary to create a communal society based on common ownership.
What is Rosa Luxemburg’s perspective on capitalism and democracy?
Rosa Luxemburg agreed with Marx and Engels but stressed the importance of democracy after revolution to prevent authoritarianism.
How do Democratic Socialists view capitalism’s effects on human nature?
Democratic Socialists (Beatrice Webb) believe capitalism’s negative effects on human nature can be reversed gradually through state-led reforms and guidance by a technocratic elite.
What is the Social Democrats’ stance on capitalism and human nature?
Social Democrats (Anthony Crosland) reject the idea that capitalism inherently corrupts human nature, arguing that reforms could minimize inequality without revolutionary upheaval.
What do Third Way proponents believe about human nature and capitalism?
Third Way (Anthony Giddens) believes human nature thrives best when opportunities like education and training are provided, and that free-market mechanisms are compatible with sociability if regulated.
What do all socialists agree on regarding the state?
The state plays a key role in addressing societal inequality and economic management.
How do Revolutionary Socialists view the state?
Revolutionary Socialists view the state as a tool of capitalist oppression and believe it must be dismantled through revolution.
What is the Democratic Socialists’ view on the evolution of the state?
Democratic Socialists (Webb) believe the state could evolve through parliamentary reforms, becoming a vehicle for socialism, emphasizing the role of an administrative elite.
How do Social Democrats approach the state?
Social Democrats (Crosland) argue for a mixed economy and state management to ensure equality of opportunity, focusing on taxing capitalism’s revenues to fund welfare.
What is the Third Way’s perspective on state intervention?
Third Way (Giddens) opposes extensive state intervention, emphasizing that a free market generates higher tax revenues to invest in public infrastructure, advocating for a ‘social investment state’.
What is the shared socialist view on society?
All socialists argue society shapes individuals and believe in addressing capitalism’s negative effects through greater equality and cooperation.
How do Revolutionary Socialists view the possibility of reforming society?
Revolutionary Socialists (Marx and Engels) argue that society is too corrupted by capitalism for reform and advocate for a revolution to establish common ownership.
What do Democratic Socialists believe about creating a collectivist society?
Democratic Socialists (Webb) reject revolution, advocating for evolutionary reforms to create a collectivist society led by a technocratic elite.
How do Social Democrats differ in their view of society?
Social Democrats (Crosland) dismiss the Marxist idea of class struggle, advocating for a society that minimizes inequality via progressive taxation and welfare.
