Socialism: Key thinkers Flashcards
Who is known as the ‘father of socialism’ and what key work did he co-author?
Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels
The Communist Manifesto
What is Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ view on human nature?
Humans are sociable
more affected by nurture than nature
under socialism
-> workers can reach their true potential
What is Marx and Engels’ perspective on society?
Workers should control the means of production
They are the most important element of society
How do Marx and Engels view the state?
State should be overthrown
REplaced with a socialist model
(equal)
According to Marx and Engels, why will a proletarian revolution occur?
Due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie under capitalism
Quote on revolution by Marx and Engels:
“The proletariats have nothing to lose but their chains. Working Men of All Countries, Unite!”
What did Beatrice Webb contribute to socialism?
Helped bring democratic socialism to life
Advocate for gradual falling of capitalism
How does Beatrice Webb view the state?
Gradual state growth is beneficial
allows for more moderate changes without the need for a violent revolution
What is Webb’s view on human nature?
Workers are selfish and limited
Democarcy should be representative
=> skilled elite gov subject to democratic constraints
What is Webb’s perspective on society and the economy?
Society and the economy need organisation to achieve socialism
Means of production should be taken into common ownership by the state
Quote by Beatrice Webb on the economy:
“Nature still obstinately refuses to co-operate by making the rich people innately superior to the poor people.”
What did Rosa Luxemburg believe about achieving socialism?
Class consciousness develops through proletarian strikes culminating in a socialist revolution
How does Luxemburg view the state?
Statw will be overthrown by the proletarian revolution and controlled by the workers
What is Luxemburg’s perspective on the economy?
Revisionist or evolutionary socialism leaves capitalism intact
Only a socialist revolution can achieve true socialism
Quote by Rosa Luxemburg on revolution:
“I want to burden the conscience of the affluent with all the suffering and all the hidden, bitter tears.”
Who was Anthony Crosland and what did he advocate for?
Labour Party politician
Believed in adapting capitalism to be managed by the state with Keynesian economics
What is Crosland’s view on human nature?
Equality fosters cooperation and community
-> creates desirable qualities within society
How does Crosland view the state and society?
State should enable welfare and manage capitalism to deliver equality
Society should remove class barriers for fairness
Quote by Crosland on social class:
“We still retain in Britain a deeper sense of class, a more obvious social stratification, and stronger class resentments, than any of the Scandinavian, Australasian, or North American countries.”
What did Anthony Giddens contribute to socialist thought?
The Third WAy
Advocates for a synergy between social democracy and neo-liberal economics
How does Giddens view human nature and the state?
Social cohesian through community and responsibility
Welfare should be replaced with a social investment state focusing on education/infrastructure
What is Giddens’ perspective on society and the economy?
society: should ensure equal oppurtunity, avoid equality of outcome
Economy: FM economics encourages growth and responsibility
Quote by Giddens on the economy:
“The new mixed economy looks […] for a synergy between public and private sectors.”
Quote by Giddens on individualism:
“The new mixed economy looks […] for a synergy between public and private sectors.”
