Socialism: Principles

Question 1

What is collectivism?

Answer 1

Achieving objectives through collective action with societal change requiring group effort

Question 2

What is meant by common humanity in socialism?

Answer 2

Humans are social creatures
seek cooperation/socability/rationality

Cooperative efforts are superior to capitalistic competition => better for society

Question 3

What is the most important value of socialism?

Answer 3

EQUALITY

Question 4

What are the two principles of equality in socialism?

Answer 4

Equality of outcome
-> equal distribution of rewards

Egalitarianism
->removal of inequality and provide a fair chance for everyone

Question 5

What do revolutionary socialists seek in terms of equality?

Answer 5

ABSOLUTE EQUALITY

• Abolition of private property
• Common ownership

Question 6

How do social democrats aim to achieve equality?

Answer 6

Through reforms of capitalism

Removal of absolute poverty

Increase of taxation to fund welfare

Question 7

What is common ownership?

Answer 7

Sharing the means of production among the population to ensure equal participation and benefit

Oppose private property that encourages materialism and conflict

Question 8

How does socialism view social class?

Answer 8

Explains societal divisions

Socialism aims to improve the quality of life for the WC

Question 9

What is the Marxist view of social class?

Answer 9

Class is determined by economics

Bourgeoisie own means of production
Proletariat sell there labour

Conflict=> proletarian revolution

Question 10

How do social democrats view social class differently from Marxists?

Answer 10

Seek to remove class distinctions through state intervention/welfare/wealth redistribution

Prefer peaceful reform over violent revolution

Question 11

What is workers’ control in socialism?

Answer 11

Control of the state or industry

Reflects the importance of workers

Relies on the cooperative nature of humans to benefit society