Socialism - Paper 1

Question 1

where can socialism trace its origins?

Answer 1

• the enlightenment
• a period of great social change

Question 2

why did some struggle to see the benefits of a liberal society?

Answer 2

• Many, especially the working class, lived in poor conditions, paid high rents, and worked for wealthy factory owners.

Question 3

What did Marx and Engels’ work inspire?

Answer 3

• Socialist thinkers who promoted collective ownership, equality, and the abolition of social classes.

Question 4

Who wrote the Communist Manifesto and when?

Answer 4

• Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
• mid-19th century.

Question 5

What is collectivism?

Answer 5

• The idea that humans achieve their goals through collective action.

Question 6

How does collectivism relate to societal change?

Answer 6

Society can only change if people work together.

Question 7

How do socialists view human nature?

Answer 7

Humans are social beings who seek cooperation, sociability, and rationality.

Question 8

Why is cooperation preferred over competition?

Answer 8

It produces the best results for society and builds respect-based connections.

Question 9

What are the two key principles of equality in socialism?

Answer 9

Equality of outcome:
- equal distribution of wealth and rewards
Egalitarianism:
- removing inequality to provide fair chances for all.

Question 10

How do revolutionary socialists view equality?

Answer 10

They seek absolute equality through the abolition of private property and common ownership.

Question 11

How do social democrats view equality?

Answer 11

They seek to reduce inequality through capitalist reforms, higher taxation, and welfare.

Question 12

Why do socialists oppose private property?

Answer 12

It encourages materialism and conflict between social groups.

Question 12

What is common ownership?

Answer 12

The idea that production is shared so all can participate and benefit equally.

Question 13

What does social class explain?

Answer 13

The divisions in society and how members of the same class share aims for change.

Question 14

How do Marxists define class?

Answer 14

Based on economics:
Bourgeoisie:
– own the means of production.
Proletariat:
– sell their labor to survive.

Question 15

What is the Marxist view of class conflict?

Answer 15

The proletariat will eventually overthrow capitalism through revolution.

Question 16

How do social democrats differ from Marxists on class?

Answer 16

They believe class distinctions can be reduced through welfare and wealth redistribution instead of revolution.

Question 17

What are the two forms of workers’ control?

Answer 17

• Control of the state.
• Control of industries (factories, companies, etc.).

Question 18

Why do socialists support workers’ control?

Answer 18

Workers are the most important part of society and will make decisions that benefit everyone.

Question 19

What is revolutionary socialism?

Answer 19

A form of socialism that rejects democratic change and instead favours revolution to achieve a socialist society.

Question 20

What is the justification for revolutionary socialism?

Answer 20

The proletariat is oppressed by the bourgeoisie and cannot achieve change through gradual reform.

Question 21

Why did revolutionary socialism gain popularity in the 19th century?

Answer 21

• Capitalism led to poverty, unemployment, and worker exploitation.
• Workers were excluded from political decisions and had little power to create meaningful change.

Question 22

What historical examples of revolutionary socialism exist?

Answer 22

The Russian Revolution (1918-21)

Question 23

How does social democracy differ from revolutionary socialism?

Answer 23

It seeks to reform capitalism rather than overthrow it.

Question 23

What is the issue with revolutionary socialism in practice?

Answer 23

It often results in state ownership rather than true common ownership, which challenges its ability to deliver genuine socialism.

Question 24

Who was a famous social democrat leader in the UK?

Answer 24

Clement Attlee, Prime Minister after World War II.

Question 24

What is the Third Way in socialism?

Answer 24

A middle-ground approach between social democracy and neo-liberalism.

Question 25

What is revisionism in socialism?

Answer 25

The idea that capitalism can be reformed to reduce inequality rather than being abolished

Question 26

What are the three key elements of social democracy?

Answer 26

Mixed economy: – nationalizing key industries while allowing private enterprise. Keynesian economics: – regulating capitalism to maintain employment. Reform: – using welfare policies to reduce poverty rather than abolishing capitalism.

Question 27

How do revolutionary socialists view the state?

Answer 27

As an instrument of oppression that must be overthrown and will eventually ‘wither away.'

Question 28

How do revolutionary socialists approach the economy?

Answer 28

They want to abolish capitalism and establish common ownership.

Question 29

What do all socialists agree on about the economy?

Answer 29

That a productive economy is beneficial, but they disagree on how wealth should be distribute

Question 29

How do evolutionary socialists (social democrats & Third Way) view the state?

Answer 29

As a tool for creating a fair and equitable society through intervention.

Question 30

How do evolutionary socialists approach the economy?

Answer 30

They believe capitalism can be reformed and used for the good of society.

Question 31

How do social democrats seek to achieve socialism?

Answer 31

Through gradual democratic reforms rather than revolution.

Question 32

Why do revolutionary socialists reject democratic reforms?

Answer 32

They believe capitalism can only be destroyed through revolution.

Question 33

What is the Third Way’s approach to socialism?

Answer 33

It seeks a balance between socialism and capitalism, combining market-driven policies with social justice.

Question 33

How do social democrats and the Third Way differ?

Answer 33

Social democrats: focus on traditional socialist values, welfare, and state intervention. The Third Way: embraces free-market individualism alongside social policies.

Question 33

What is the key question regarding revisionism in socialism?

Answer 33

How far can socialism be revised before it ceases to be socialism?

Question 34

What were Marx and Engels’ main beliefs?

Answer 34

- Humans are sociable and shaped by their social environment. - The state must be overthrown to establish an equal socialist system. - Workers should control the means of production. - A proletarian revolution is inevitable due to capitalist exploitation.

Question 35

What was Webb’s main contribution to socialism?

Answer 35

Advocating for democratic socialism and gradual reform rather than revolution.

Question 36

What were Webb’s key beliefs?

Answer 36

- Humans are selfish, so democracy should be representative. - The state should gradually expand to implement socialist policies. - The economy should be taken into common ownership by the state.

Question 37

What were Crosland’s key beliefs?

Answer 37

- Equality fosters cooperation and community. - The state should provide welfare to create fairness. - Keynesian economics should be used to maintain employment and improve living standards.

Question 38

What were Giddens’ key beliefs?

Answer 38

- Social cohesion is built through community and responsibility. - The state should invest in education and infrastructure rather than creating welfare dependency. - Society should focus on equality of opportunity rather than outcome. - Free-market economics can benefit society if regulated.