Socialism - role of state Flashcards
intro
broad agreement hat state has a role in combatting inequality, facilitating social change and commitment to improving societal conditions// fundamentally diverge on the methods in achieving these goals- can be seen through views towards achieving socialism, economy, social welfare
Pathway to achieving socialism - agree
Socialist strands agree that the state has a role in establishing a socialist society. Both democratic socialists and revolutionary argue for the state to curate an environment that ensures total equality/workers control of means of prod and redistribution of wealth and to reject capitalist systems that promote exploitation/disparity
disagree pathway to socialism
However diverge on how this is achieved - revolutionaries want seizure of state power for radical change//Dem Socialist - want reformative change, making a state that serves the people through legislation and gradual measures. REV MARX - proletariat seize power through revolution to establish ‘dictatorship of proletariat’ - state will wither away as class distinctions disappear//DS BEA WEBB - state = permanent institution- reformed and expanded to ensure public ownership and social welfare policies through democratic means - NOT REVOLUTION - legislative path to socialism
path way to socialism summary judgment
While the socialist strands hold consensus over the state having a role in establishing socialism they diverge how this shall be achieved showing they disagree more than agree
Econ - agree
state needs to intervene in the economy (to varying extents) to ensure fairness and equality- general acknowledge that unchecked capitalism leads to economic disparity - state intervention needed to protect public interests and fair access to resources
econ - disagree
Disagree on extent of gvt intervention - rev - comprehensive state ownership of production//SD - mixed econ state - private sector co exist - ROSA - rev - supports nationalisation of the means of production through state control, w direct dem participation from the workers rather than strict bureaucratic control (‘accumalation of capital’ critiques limitations of capitalist markets and demands revolutionary socialisation of the economy//SD CROSSLAND - rejects full state control/ argues for mixed econ where key industries are nationalised (health and education) - capitalism can be humanised through market mechanisms and state intervention to promote equality and welfare
econ summary judgment
whilst socialists broadly agree that state intervention is needed within the economy to prevent economic disparity and fair access to resources, the extent of said intervention widely differs
Welfare/social justice agree
state should play a central role in social welfare - needs to address inequality/ state should provide universal access to essential services, aiming to create a fairer society
welfare disagree
Disagree on the extent state should implement social policy to alleviate inequality and ensure access REV marx - state’s role in welfare is temporary and tied to revolutionary overthrow of capitalism - did advocate for free education and the abolition of inheritance rights but these are transitional towards a stateless/ classless society// DS WEBB - state is permanent and central to welfare through gradual reforms.
welfare summary judgment
Though socialists agree that the state has a role in targeting inequality through welfare policies, they diverge on the extent the state should implement this whether through transitional policy or permanent, gradual reform.
conclusion
While there is consensus on the values of diminishing inequality, economic disparity and achieving socialism, the methods and scope the state has to play a role diverges fundamentally.
