Socialism ideology Flashcards
What is socialist view on Human nature being malleable
Human nature is not fixed
experience and circumstance can shape human nature
nurture over nature
utopian- Humans have the capacity to become members of a community bound together by brotherhood
What is a socialist view on humans being social creatures
Humans are drawn to social groups and the power of community over individualism
Bound together by common humanity
Fraternity – bonds of brotherhood and sympathy among
all humans
What is the socialist view on humans being naturally cooperative
Cooperation can achieve more than individual effort
Humans are motivated by moral incentives, not just
economic ones
What is egalitarianism
The principle that everyone is equal
What is foundational equality
All people have equal rights because
they are human. These rights cannot
be taken away
What is formal equality
People have equal legal and political
rights
What is equality of opportunity
People have the same chance to
succeed or fail based upon their own
skills and talents
What is equality of outcome
People have the same material
wealth
Why do socialists believe in fairness regarding egalitarianism
Inequality represents the unequal structure of capitalism, not differences in human skills and talent
Formal equality ignores structural inequalities
Equality of opportunity legitimises structural
inequalities
Why do socialists believe in cooperation regarding egalitarianism
People are more likely to identify with people who have
similar wealth to them
Equality of outcome strengths social solidarity
Inequality leads to conflict and instability
Why do socialists believe in human fulfilment regarding egalitarianism
Need satisfaction is the basis for human fulfilment
Needs are necessities not ‘wants’
All humans need similar things – food, water, shelter, companionship
Society should be designed to fulfil these needs
What is socialists reaction to being called utopian
Utopianism is a strength not a weakness- They are rightly interested in what humans could be if their social and economic circumstances were different
what do socialists think about private ownership being unjust
wealth is produced by a collective human effort so its unjust
What do Socialists believe that private ownership does to peoples human nature
It is morally corrupting – private property encourages people to be materialistic – seeking fulfilment by accumulating wealth
What do socialists believe private ownership does to society
It is divisive – it leads to conflict between groups – rich vs poor, worker vs employer
What is a Marxist view on common ownership
Marxism – abolition of all private property leading to a classless society based on common ownership
What is a communist view on Common ownership
Communism – State ownership and a central planning
What is a social democrat view on common ownership
Social democrats – Nationalisation of major industries but some private property
What type of socialist envisaged the abolition of private property
Fundamentalist socialits
Why do socialists believe that social class is the most important division in society
Humans think and act with those who
they share a similar economic position
Social classes are the driving force of
political conflict and change
This is most clear for Marxists who see
the division between Proletariat and
Bourgeoisie as central to revolution and change
How does socialism represent the working class
seen as a working class movement
Socialist political parties have been seen to represent working class interest
What is the Marxist idea of alienation
From the product of your labour
From the process of your labour
From fellow workers
From yourself
What was the end goal of Marxism
Classless
Stateless
Common ownership
Absolute equality – from
each according to ability,
to each according to need
What is Rosa Luxemburg’s outlook on democracy
Democracy and socialism are linked, mass strike action would develop into wider revolutionary movement
