Socialism (NOT EXAM)

Question 1

Define collectivism, and how it influences socialist thinking

Answer 1

Priotising the group over the individual - humans can achieve their objectives more effectively through collective action.

Society is therefore more likely to be transformed through collective endeavour.

Question 2

Define common humanity, and what it means for socialist thinking.

Answer 2

Humans are social creatures with a tendency for cooperation, sociability and rationality.

The individual can not be understood without reference to society because human behaviour is determined by people’s place in society.

Question 3

Define Fraternity

Answer 3

The sharing of common interests and beliefs - put into action with collective action.

Question 4

Define common ownership

Answer 4

Criticism of private property (Productive wealth)

• common ownership ensures that the needs of the many override those of the few.
• Wealth is created by communal effort so should be owned collectively.
• Private property encourages materialism and conflict between the rich and poor.

Question 5

How do socialists criticise private property?

Answer 5

Private property encourages materialism and conflict between the rich and poor.

Question 6

Define Capitalism

Answer 6

an economic system in which wealth is owned by private individuals or businesses and goods are produced for exchange according to the dictates of the market.

Question 7

Define economic determinism

Answer 7

our behaviour is determined by the structure of the economy therefore our behaviour will change if the economic system changes

Question 8

2 criticisms of collectivism

Answer 8

• Suppresses human individuality and diversity.
• Leads to the growth of arbitrary state power and erodes individual freedoms.

Question 9

Socialist view on changing Human Nature

Answer 9

Positive human nature, but human nature is malleable and changeable.

If we reward competitiveness and selfishness it makes us less caring and considerate.

Economic determinism

Question 10

3 principles of Equality

Answer 10

EQUALITY OF OUTCOME - Equal distribution of economic rewards like wealth and income.

EGALITARIANISM - Desire to promote equality of outcome. Remove or reduce inequalities and ensure everyone has a far chance in life.

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY - everyone has the same chance at the ebginning.

Question 11

Socialist view on workers’ control

Answer 11

The complete or partial ownership of an enterprise by employees, including real decision making powers.

Control of the state by the workers.

Question 12

Main agreement in socialism

Answer 12

Human Nature and society: all socialists believe we are are better off cooperating our society should aim for that

Social inequality is caused by economics

Question 13

Main disagreement in socialism

Answer 13

How the state and the economy will support the goal of shared humanity. Many variations from a stateless society with no private property to a mixed economy with strong state intervention, to a neo-liberal capitalist economy with minimal state involvement.

Differences are more often to do with the means rather than the ends. the vision may be the same but its about how we get there.

Question 14

Revolutionary socialists on equality

Answer 14

• Demand absolute equality (in terms of opportunity and outcome)
• Abolishment of private property
  
  • Replacement with common ownership of all means of production.

Question 15

Social democrats on equality

Answer 15

Relative equalising of society within reformed capitalist economy via welfare measures, government spending and progressive taxation to remove absolute poverty.

Equality of opportunity more than equality of outcome.

Question 16

Absolute equality definition and who wants/doesn.t want it

Answer 16

Everyone who contributes to society will receive the same rewards. Over time everyone’s contribution will be equal.

Marxists support it, whereas social democrats and the third way think its impractical

Question 17

Equality of outcome definition and who wants/doesnt want it

Answer 17

People’s experience of society should be more or less the same - social and economic equality

Supported by fundamentalist socialists who reject capitalism, but rejected by social democrats and third way

Question 18

Equality of opportunity definition and who wants/doesnt want it

Answer 18

Everyone has an equal chance to make the best of their abilities, with no barriers - just work hard and have talent

Supported by the Third Wayonmeritocratic grounds, but Marxists criticise it because it doesn’t remove capitalism and Social Democrats criticise as it doesn’t promote social justice

Question 19

Universal welfare definition and who wants/doesnt want it

Answer 19

Society might be unequal but all individuals have an equal minimum standard of living guarenteed by state provisions.

Social democrats support as it protects the most vulnerable, but Marxists don’t support it as it doesnt dismantle capitalism and the Third Way don’t support it as they support targeted welfare

Question 20

Marxist views on class

Answer 20

Class position is determined by relationship to the means of production.

Conflict between the owners of productive wealth (bourgeoise/capitalists) and those who sell labour to survive (proletariat). The bourgeoise use the state to maintain their dominance.

Eventually class conflict leads to a proletarian revolution which overthrows capitalism - leaving a classless, equal society and the state withers away.

Question 21

Social democrats views on class

Answer 21

Define social class more flexibly, emphasising income and status differences between non manual and manual jobs.

Socialist objectives can be achieved through targeted government intervention.

The state provides welfare to reduce class inequalities but reject any revolution or violence.

Question 22

Socialist justification for workers control

Answer 22

Human nature - promotes collective effort and group interests.

Economy - workers are the most important element in economic production, they should have the right to control it.

Society - important step towards socialist society.

The state - collective action ensures a fairer distribtion of goods than free-market forces

Question 23

Criticism of workers’ control

Answer 23

Businesses don’t just rely on workers, they depend on people investing and spending money.

Workers may not have entrepreneurial qualities necessary and may lack managerial expertise.

Question 24

Revolutionary Socialism: what is it, who supported it and why?

Answer 24

This is overthrowing the existing system

Marx thought a class conscious proletariat would stage a revolution and overthrow capitalism, because of exploited and politically alienated workers, poverty and horrible conditions.

Gradual change will not lead to a socialist society because the ruling class and bourgeoise values are too entrenched within the capitalist state and society

Question 25

The difference between fundamentalist regimes and true socialism

Answer 25

Fundamentalists (like in the USSR) replace private property with **state ownership** not common ownership.

Question 26

What is social democracy? and 4 things it assumes of capitalism

Answer 26

Form of democracy that wishes to **reconcile capitalism with state intervention** It is based on 4 assumptions: 1. Capitalism creates wealth, but distributes **unfairly**. 2. State intervention in economic affairs **protects** the public and makes up for capitalisms weaknesses. 3. **Peaceful** constitutional methods should bring about change. 4. Socialism is **morally superior** to capitalism and should prioritise **social justice**.

Question 27

Define a free market economy

Answer 27

The market is regulated by supply and demand (**market forces**) with very little to none state intervention.

Question 28

Who championed Social Democracy?

Answer 28

Anthony Crosland

Question 29

What is social democracy in practice?

Answer 29

* A **mixed** economy; with only the key strategic industries nationalised. * Keynesian economics - **reform**, **not** **removal** - of capitalism to redistribute wealth and tackle extreme poverty.

Question 30

Define Keynesian economics

Answer 30

A system of economic management where the state directly intervenes to **stimulate the econom**y to achieve full employment and economic growth.

Question 31

Define Dirigisme

Answer 31

**State run** capitalism

Question 32

What is the Third Way?

Answer 32

**'Middle ground' alternative** to traditional social democracy in the context of globalised economy. Advocates **primacy of the market, community and competition**. First introduced in **New Labour** under Blair.

Question 33

Who championed The Third Way?

Answer 33

Anthony Giddens

Question 34

Evaluation of the third way

Answer 34

* It lacks real socialist content and is essentially just rebranded to attract middle class voters * Have influenced various other third way parties. * Electorally successful in New Labour * Improved the position of some in society, eg minimum wage and family tax credits.

Question 35

The role of the economy and state in Marxism

Answer 35

* Econ - common ownership, **no private property**. * State- withers away and becomes **non-existent** * With no private property, the state have nothing they need to control.

Question 36

The role of economy and state in democratic socialism

Answer 36

* Economy - **state-owned public goods,** workers own factories (**co-op**) * State - elections and free press to ensure **democracy** * no ugly revolutions

Question 37

The role of economy and state in Social democracy

Answer 37

* Economy - capitalism but with a **big safety net**. * welfare and high taxes * not for the rich to get richer * State - **liberal democracy**, intervention as needed.

Question 38

The role of economy and state in the third way

Answer 38

* Economy - free market, **neo-liberalism**, aim to achieve social justice, equality of outcome * privatising industry is meant to improve competition and make the service better. * State - as **small** as possible

Question 39

Define revisionism

Answer 39

A policy of modification - an **evolutionary socialist approach**, believing capitalism can be reformed and revised.

Question 40

Explain the superstructure and base

Answer 40

Superstructure - ideas/values. Things that have nothing to do with the production of society's wealth.) Base (private property) everything needed to produce a society's wealth; forces of production Eg (land, factories, materials etc.)

Question 41

What is historical materialism?

Answer 41

Marx - historical and social institutions develop only as the superstructure to the economic system (capitalism) The base (i.e. the mode of production) influences or conditions all other aspects of society, such as class.

Question 42

Explain: Thesis, Antithesis and Synthesis

Answer 42

Thesis and antithesis - the two opposing components of debate and following a lot of struggle you reach syntheis synthesis - the new thesis/truth (for Marx - **communism**)

Question 43

Explain the dialectic

Answer 43

Marx - **the process that drives social change.** Through debate and struggle (class conflict) the two opposing ideas (thesis and antithesis) allows the truth to emerge (the synthesis)

Question 44

Apply the dialectic in economic/class terms

Answer 44

Each state of history has its own economic system and class structure. within each stage, **dialectical change is propelled by the struggle between the exploiters and the exploited** or the rich and the poor. For Marx, this eventually ends in an established communist society.

Question 45

Explain class consciousness

Answer 45

Marx - A stage along the course of human development at which the **proletariat becomes fully aware of their exploitation**. They must become determined to pursue interests and overthrow the bourgeoise.

Question 46

What is Marx's defintion of class?

Answer 46

People's relationship to the means of production

Question 47

Marx's defintion of exploitation

Answer 47

Workers are paid less than the value of what they produce to make money for owners of capital.

Question 48

Quote from Marx about social class and class conflict

Answer 48

"the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles"

Question 49

The 2 main concepts of Marx' argument

Answer 49

1. **Social class** is central to socialism 2. Human nature is changeable and socially determined by economics

Question 50

What is the reserve army of labour?

Answer 50

Capitalists can extract maximum level of surplus value/profit because any worker unhappy with low wages can **easily be replaced** by another.

Question 51

What is the proletarian dictatorship?

Answer 51

Marx - time period between abolishing capitalism where there is a dictatorship

Question 52

What is false consciousness?

Answer 52

**Opposite state** that you have **prior to class consciousness**, where you of yourself as a single entity in competition with others in your class rather than a unified group

Question 53

What is Marx's belief on owning/working?

Answer 53

**Power should come from working**, not owning things, as it is more valuable

Question 54

What is Marx's point on the individual vs the community?

Answer 54

The state will always embody the interests of the community, but when the interests of the individual conflict we may feel like we dont want to cooperate or our interests are not represented. This is because the system is broken. **In pure communism your interests = interests of the community**, because everyone is equal.

Question 55

What will happen after the revolution? (Marx)

Answer 55

* **No immediate transition** to communism * Transitionary period to prevent counter revolution (**proletariat dictatorship**) * Class antagonisms will gradually disappear * State will **wither away**, leaving classless communism.

Question 56

Marx on human nature

Answer 56

* We are essentially **social being**s whose behaviour is influenceable by social and economic factors. * We are **social, rational and cooperative.** * Communism is beneficial for humans they are **freed from negatives of capitalism** and get to enjoy more activities and leisure. If someone can not do something, someone else will cover for them as they know the person will for them.

Question 57

4 main ways in which Luxemburg deviates from Marx

Answer 57

1. **Rejection** of the view that capitalism is a necessary stage on the path to communism. 2. A **rejection** **of the 'proletarian dictatorship'** phase in the transition between capitalism and communism. She was an avid supporter of **liberal democracy, free speech** and **elections**. 3. **Protofeminist** narrative; where she identifies gender inequalities that Marx doesnt. 4. **Rejects** the idea of state completely diminishing.

Question 58

Marx and Luxemburg on society

Answer 58

Individual competition and class divisions will disappear once a communist society is established.

Question 59

Luxemburg opinion on historical materialism

Answer 59

Less developed societies do not need to experience capitalism instead class consciousness should be brought about by **class struggle** and **striking**, instead of waiting for it.

Question 60

Is luxemburg revolutionary or evolutionary?

Answer 60

**Revolutionary** - she ritiqued evolutionary because it would leave the capitalist system intact.

Question 61

Luxemburg on democracy

Answer 61

* Massive **supporter** of democracy * **Rejected the proletarian dictatorship.** * Was extremely worried about dictatorship after revolution and thought *communism must have democracy to work*. * **Rejected** Lenin's desire for a **small leadership party** to lead the workers after revolution because it could become dictatorship.

Question 62

Luxemburg on state

Answer 62

Believes that it should be **small but existent** like a series of localised governements.

Question 63

Luxemburg quote about need for revolution and no need for capitalism

Answer 63

* "In the middle of the fight, we learn how we must fight" * Shows her critique of Marx's opinion that capitalism is necessary on the way to communism.

Question 64

Who did Webb think should be in power from transition between capitalism?

Answer 64

* Unlike Marx, Webb believed workers weren't suited to rule the country in the transition * She thought **experts** should run it; eg economists, sociologists etc.

Question 65

Was Webb a revolutionary or evolutionary socialist?

Answer 65

**Evolutionary**

Question 66

Summarise 4 of Webb's beliefs/actions

Answer 66

* State should be **expanded** but not overthrown * Wrote the original **clause 4** of Labour constitution - nationalisation. * **Gradual change** is preferable to "bloodshed and chaos" of revolution * Supported a **welfare state**

Question 67

What group did Webb co-found

Answer 67

Fabian Society

Question 68

Webb's two key ideas

Answer 68

1. The **'inevitability of gradualness'** - establishing socialism peacefully through democratic reforms and legislation. 2. The **'economic side of democracy'** - the expansion, not the destruction of the state will deliver socialism.

Question 69

Webb's beliefs on human nature (2)

Answer 69

* **IMPERFECT** - Workers were limited, selfish and uninformed - so democracy should be representative. (ie elected officials making decisions) * **Representative democracy was preferable to direct democracy** because it would lead to a skilled socialist governing class subject to democratic constraints.

Question 70

Webb's belief about the state

Answer 70

**Gradual growth of state power** was evidence that collectivism would bring in a new scoialist eage.

Question 71

Clause 4 of Labour Constitution

Answer 71

Committing them to **nationalisation** and common ownership, which Blair removed when he became leader.

Question 72

What type of socialist was Anthony Crosland, and what do they believe?

Answer 72

A **social democrat** / revisionist He doesn't have a problem with private property - **capitalism is not the enemy**, just needs to be **reformed**.

Question 73

What was Anthony Crosland's main goal?

Answer 73

**Social justice** and equality: Ending poverty Improve the lives of working class people, through **welfare and public services**

Question 74

What did Crosland support and not support?

Answer 74

Supported: education reforms, **meritocracy**, 'state managed capitalism' (**dirigisme**) Didn't support *nationalisation* because it wouldn't benefit the economy.

Question 75

2 of Crosland's main ideas

Answer 75

1. Modern capitalism lacks inherent contradictions: which is required to drive a revolution. 2. **State managed capitalism**: the state much manage it to deliver social equality - must have distribution of rewards, status and privileges to remove class barriers.

Question 76

Crosland on the economy (2)

Answer 76

1. Gov should pursue **keynesian economics** to maintain high employment, ensure low inflation and promote continuous growth. instead of collapsing (marx) 2. Capitalism has risen living standards, so **economic expansion** is required to fund welfare to improve living standards for working class.

Question 77

Crosland on the state

Answer 77

High levels of gov spending is required for **redistribution of wealth**.

Question 78

Crosland on meritocracy

Answer 78

**Defended meritocracy** more than other more radical thinkers as he believed that, without incentive and rewards, people wouldn't try and earn money.

Question 79

Crosland on Equality

Answer 79

Wants **equality of opportunity** and 'democratic equality'

Question 80

Crosland on education

Answer 80

Hugely committed to **equal education for everyone** and worked hard to try and abolish grammar schools.

Question 81

What strand does Giddens belong to?

Answer 81

Third way

Question 82

Gidden's 2 key ideas

Answer 82

1. **Rejection of state intervention**: social democracy must be modernised due to the impact of globalisation, new knowledge of economics ad a more individual aspirations. 2. **The 'social investment state'**: rejected the social engineering that underpinned state welfare and redistribution programmes.

Question 83

Giddens on the economy

Answer 83

* **Free market** is the most efficient system and encourages good qualities like responsibility. * Aimed to **avoid** punitive **taxes** * **Welfare should be 'mended not ended**' - active welfare * Help everyone become rich through **equality of opportunity**.

Question 84

Giddens on human nature

Answer 84

* Naturally **individualistic** but must support community. * **Community and responsibility** essential to capitalism being nice, rather than class conflict. * important to **offset** the negative **effects** **of** **capitalism** and promote social cohesion and responsibility.

Question 85

Giddens on the state

Answer 85

* State welfare fosters a culture of dependency, so instead **'social investment'** is needed, a contract between the state and the citizen. * The state benefits from growth so must invest in physical + social infrastructure and education, and people must take advantage of this and **help themselves**. * State needs to **provide equality of opportunity**.

Question 86

Quote to summarise Giddens opinion on welfare

Answer 86

**"Hand up not a hand-out"**

Question 87

Overall socialist agreement on human nature

Answer 87

Generally all believe humans are naturally **altruistic** and **cooperative**. We are all working towards a **'common humanity'**. **Economic determinism** - our behaviour is determined by our economic and material conditions.

Question 88

Overall socialist disagreements on human nature

Answer 88

Disagree on ways our community looks like in practice. * Rev socialists (Marx and Luxembourg): **no state** really necessary and all share common humanity. * Ev Socialists (Webb): **Common ownership** but managed by **democratic** elite because workers are unequipped. * Social dems (Crosland): **reformed capitalism**, mixed economy - keynesian and welfare state. * Third way (Giddens): stronger emphasis on **individualism**, encouraging equality of oppurtunity, self reliance, **targeted welfare**, capitalism not the enemy.

Question 89

Summarise revolutionary socialism in 7 lines and give the two key thinkers associated with it

Answer 89

Marx and Luxembourg 1. the destruction of the capitalist system 2. the overthrow of the existing world order 3. the ‘creation’ of a socialist state 4. total state control over the economy 5. a dictatorship of the proletariat (for marx) 6. common ownership

Question 90

Summarise democratic socialism in 4 lines and give the key thinker associated with it

Answer 90

Beatrice Webb 1. the replacement of the capitalist system by a socialist system 2. a socialist state can evolve from current systems without revolution 3. a socialist state will be achieved by socialist parties winning electoral majorities 4. nationalisatio nand common ownership

Question 91

Summarise social democracy in 7 lines and give the key thinker associated with it

Answer 91

Anthony Crossland 1. rationality 2. evolutioinary socialism 3. operating within current political structures 4. a mixed economy with major state involvement 5. nationalisatioin 6. keynesian economics 7. persauding voters of the benefits of socialism through social justice

Question 92

Summarise Third way in 4 lines and give the key thinker associated with it

Answer 92

Anthony Giddens 1. a greater focus on **equality of opportunity** rather than equality of outcome 2. **Free market capitalism** of the economy to provide more money for **public spending** 3. **privatisation** over nationalisation 4. a greater focus on **social and political equality**, as well as economic equality

Question 93

Summarise Marx's view on human nature, the state, society and economy

Answer 93

Human nature: humans are social creatures, but this has been damaged by capitalism. State: existing governments need to be destroyed and replaced by a socialist state. Society: society should be classless Economy: collective ownership

Question 94

Summarise Luxemburg's view on human nature, the state, society and economy

Answer 94

Human nature: social cohesion exists within social classes. State: existing governments need to be destroyed and replaced by a workers-based society of true democracy. Society: sub-cultures provide a model for future societies. Economy: capitalism can only be replaced by an economy based on workers’ control.

Question 95

Summarise Webb's view on human nature, the state, society and economy

Answer 95

Human nature: capitalism should be replaced by an evolutionary process, workers are limited, selfish and uninformed - so democracy should be representative. State: universal suffrage was the key to creating a socialist state. Society: poverty should be tackled as a priority. Economy: gradual replacement of capitalism by common ownership of the means of production.

Question 96

Summarise Crosland's view on human nature, the state, society and economy

Answer 96

Human nature: humans naturally oppose inequality. State: existing systems can be used to create a socialist state. Society: the class system is complex and many do not fit into class distinctions. Economy: a mixed economy

Question 97

Summarise Gidden's view on human nature, the state, society and economy

Answer 97

Human nature: social fairness is combined with self- fulfilment. State: government power should be decentralised. Society: socialists must work with the middle classes, not oppose them. Economy: a neo-liberal economy to provide for welfare programmes.

Question 98

Marxists on class

Answer 98

* **Mark/Luxemberg** - believe class is single biggest division (shapes human nature, *economic* *determinism*, *false* *consciousness*) MUST BE **ABOLISHED** * Class system oppresses impluses of collectivism and fraternity. * no private property for Marx/Luxemburg * Worker/state run economy for Webb.

Question 99

Giddens and Crosland on Class

Answer 99

## Footnote **Giddens** - Class is there but its not as big of a factor of inequality as gender or race and we should tackle those first. **Economony -** Neither Crosland or Giddens believe in abolishing capitalism, Crosland believes in a mixed economy, meritocracy, equality of outcome, state intervention and keynesian economy. Whereas **Giddens** believes that class has become almost meaningless and we should be aware of other impacts on equality.

Question 100

Distinctions between revisionists on Class

Answer 100

* They disagree on how to eliminate class devisions. * Eg Evolutionary/revolutionary. * * Democracy/Dictatorship

Question 101

Fundamentalists v Revisionists on Self interest/human nature

Answer 101

**Fundamentalists** - Humans are **not naturally selfish,** capitalism opresses our altruistic side but communism would let self interest come out as caring. **Revisisionists** - Humans are **more naturally selfish** and therefore a capitalist economy works best as it encourages competitiveness and would generate the best meritocracy for society.