Socialism Key Terms Flashcards
Collectivism
Advocating collective control especially over production and distribution
What are the 2 reasons socialists endorse collectivism
Moral perspective and Economic perspective
What is the economic perspective endorsing collective responsibility (2)
- Utilities the capabilities of the whole society, more effective.
- Avoid waste and competitiveness
Moral Perspective for collectivism (2)
- group interests should take priority over individual self-interest.
- Encourage social unity
How does collectivism link to human nature
Humans are social animals and have the capacity for collective action
-fraternity
What is fraternity (2)
- humans bound together by comradeship and a common outlook
- share the same basic nature and interests
Socialist belief about human nature
molded by social conditions, experiences and circumstances of one’s life
What do Marxists believe about collectivism (2)
- Centralised action through centralised state
- more industrial and efficient society
Criticism of collectivism (2)
- Collectivism suppresses human individuality and diversity
- Leads to growth of arbitrary state power
- the erosion of individual freedoms
What is common humanity
See humanity as social creatures with tendency towards co-operation, sociability and rationality.
What do socialist view competition as (2)
Wasteful, promotes social division
Common humanity and the interverntionist role of the state
The agency of the state can be used to contol economic production and distribution to benefit everyone
What do socialists believe about equality (3)
Ensures Fairness
Reinforces collectivism
satisfying basic human needs
Why do socialist believe economic inequality exists
Structural inequalities rather than innate differences of ability.
How does equality positively effect society
Reinforces collectivism, co-operation and solidarity- people are more likely to co-exist harmoniously if share same economic and social conditions
How does equality satisfy basic human needs
equal distribution of wealth and resources to promote human fulfilment and realise human potential
Why do socialists endorse common ownership (3)
- Wealth created by the communal endeavour of humans, should be owned collectively
- Private property encourages materialism, idea of wealth bringing fulfilment
- Private property generates social conflict between groups
How do socialist view Social Class
- Explains most divides in society
- Aim to eradicate all class distinctions or seek to diminish class inequalities significantly
Worker’s control
Complete or partial ownership of an economic enterprise by those employed there
Reasons socialists support Workers’ control
-Promotes collective effort, pursuit of group interests
Critique of Workers’ control
-utopian and fails to acknowledge that business needs risk-taker and investors as well as workers
