Socialism Key Thinkers Flashcards
What did Marx say about human nature?
Once capitalism is destroyed, individuals realise that selfishness is a symptom of ‘false consciousness.’ Workers see themselves in their work. People are fraternal.
What did Marx say about the state?
A socialist state would be a dictatorship of the proletariat. It would oversee replacement of private ownership by common ownership.
What did Marx say about society?
Revolution was inevitable, and the proletariat would become larger and angrier as time went on. There are two classes in society - the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
What did Marx believe about the economy?
Capitalism sowed the seeds of its’ own destruction, workers don’t see themselves in their work under specialisation. Unemployment = Freedom. No private property, raised income tax.
What did Luxemburg believe about human nature?
Humanity’s instincts are fraternal. Workers were inherently oppressed. Mass strike action was the catalyst for wider revolution.
What did Luxemburg believe about the state?
Evolutionary socialism is impossible. Only revolution could create real change. Existing elections were an opportunity to convince people. There would be a new democratic state after revolution.
What did Luxemburg believe about society?
Revolution is spontaneous, after class consciousness is realised. Revolution would be based on fraternity and equality. Engagement with the existing system makes it easier to persuade.
What did Luxemburg believe about the economy?
Capitalism had to be overthrown, we should have state ownership of the economy. Capitalism promotes exploitation, so supporting trade unions is necessary.
What did Webb believe about Human nature?
The majority of voters gradually and inevitably realise they have no vested interest in capitalism. Voters inevitably elect and re-elect socialist governments. Voters would recognise that progress is made gradually.
What did Webb believe about the state?
Effective reform is gradual, not revolutionary. Poverty and inequality are more likely to be eliminated through trade unionism and state intervention.
What did Webb believe about society?
Paternalism and philanthropy aren’t sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality. A socialist society gradually and inevitably emerges.
What did Webb believe about the economy?
Capitalism is the principal cause of poverty and inequality, as a corrupting force for humanity. State ownership of the economy, not private ownership. Private ownership is unpredictable and unstable.
What did Crosland believe about human nature?
Humans are capable of co-operation and mutual support, especially in a mixed economy. Most people desire a more equal society. Humans have flaws. Education is the best way to improve society.
What did Crosland believe about the state?
Public ownership is the aim, not means of socialism. Future of socialism is more public spending, better public services, not public ownership. Expansion of the welfare state diminishes inequality.
What did Crosland believe about society?
There was a new class within society, a managerial technocrat class, who made the class system more complicated. There are issues other than the economy which drive inequality, such as education.
What did Crosland believe about the economy?
The economy had changed Britain was no longer fully capitalist, managed capitalism with private enterprise and ownership, key services owned by the state, pragmatism.
What did Giddens believe about human nature?
He accepted that post-industrial capitalism was liberating for individuals, and said individuals are now free to carve out individual identities. Individuals are more likely to be influenced by cultural influences, because society as an idea was less developed.
What did Crosland believe about the state?
Further state action in a capitalist era. Socialism had to accept more free market capitalism. The state should work with the private sector. He accepted that state intervention can have unintended consequences.
What did Crosland believe about society?
Post individual capitalism in the late 20th century had fragmented communities, ‘atomised’ the workforce, leaving individuals alienated. Society was becoming ill-defined. He said society had gone through embourgeoisement, and more people had mortgages than trade union memberships.
What did Crosland believe about the economy?
We should extend capitalism, deregulate financial services, and enlarge the role of the private sector. He supports economic growth, as he says this is the best way to improve people’s lives - increased public spending, higher tax yields.
