Socialism: Key thinkers

Question 1

Who is known as the ‘father of socialism’ and what key work did he co-author?

Answer 1

Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels

The Communist Manifesto

Question 2

What is Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ view on human nature?

Answer 2

Humans are sociable

more affected by nurture than nature

under socialism
-> workers can reach their true potential

Question 3

What is Marx and Engels’ perspective on society?

Answer 3

Workers should control the means of production

They are the most important element of society

Question 3

How do Marx and Engels view the state?

Answer 3

State should be overthrown

REplaced with a socialist model
(equal)

Question 4

According to Marx and Engels, why will a proletarian revolution occur?

Answer 4

Due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie under capitalism

Question 5

Quote on revolution by Marx and Engels:

Answer 5

“The proletariats have nothing to lose but their chains. Working Men of All Countries, Unite!”

Question 6

What did Beatrice Webb contribute to socialism?

Answer 6

Helped bring democratic socialism to life

Advocate for gradual falling of capitalism

Question 7

How does Beatrice Webb view the state?

Answer 7

Gradual state growth is beneficial

allows for more moderate changes without the need for a violent revolution

Question 8

What is Webb’s view on human nature?

Answer 8

Workers are selfish and limited

Democarcy should be representative
=> skilled elite gov subject to democratic constraints

Question 9

What is Webb’s perspective on society and the economy?

Answer 9

Society and the economy need organisation to achieve socialism

Means of production should be taken into common ownership by the state

Question 10

Quote by Beatrice Webb on the economy:

Answer 10

“Nature still obstinately refuses to co-operate by making the rich people innately superior to the poor people.”

Question 11

What did Rosa Luxemburg believe about achieving socialism?

Answer 11

Class consciousness develops through proletarian strikes culminating in a socialist revolution

Question 12

How does Luxemburg view the state?

Answer 12

Statw will be overthrown by the proletarian revolution and controlled by the workers

Question 13

What is Luxemburg’s perspective on the economy?

Answer 13

Revisionist or evolutionary socialism leaves capitalism intact

Only a socialist revolution can achieve true socialism

Question 14

Quote by Rosa Luxemburg on revolution:

Answer 14

“I want to burden the conscience of the affluent with all the suffering and all the hidden, bitter tears.”

Question 15

Who was Anthony Crosland and what did he advocate for?

Answer 15

Labour Party politician

Believed in adapting capitalism to be managed by the state with Keynesian economics

Question 16

What is Crosland’s view on human nature?

Answer 16

Equality fosters cooperation and community
-> creates desirable qualities within society

Question 17

How does Crosland view the state and society?

Answer 17

State should enable welfare and manage capitalism to deliver equality

Society should remove class barriers for fairness

Question 18

Quote by Crosland on social class:

Answer 18

“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.”

Question 19

What did Anthony Giddens contribute to socialist thought?

Answer 19

The Third WAy

Advocates for a synergy between social democracy and neo-liberal economics

Question 20

How does Giddens view human nature and the state?

Answer 20

Social cohesian through community and responsibility

Welfare should be replaced with a social investment state focusing on education/infrastructure

Question 21

What is Giddens’ perspective on society and the economy?

Answer 21

society: should ensure equal oppurtunity, avoid equality of outcome

Economy: FM economics encourages growth and responsibility

Question 22

Quote by Giddens on the economy:

Answer 22

“The new mixed economy looks […] for a synergy between public and private sectors.”

Question 23

Quote by Giddens on individualism:

Answer 23

“The new mixed economy looks […] for a synergy between public and private sectors.”