Socialism-Society Flashcards
What do all socialists generally agree on with regards to society
That all individuals are shaped by their society, and as a result, all socialists share a concern about the societal impact of capitalism, and the class divisions that arise from it.
-all socialists hope to promote greater equality/SJ- however differ over equality if outcome or equality of opportunity.
What do fundamentalist socialists like Marx (and Luxembourg) think about society
Marx said that society is sickeningly defined by class conflict. Indeed, his view of “historical materialism” held that each stage of history had been defined by people’s relationship to the means of production (class). To him, the economic base of society,which was dominated by the bourgeoisie and defined by their dominance over the means of production, shaped and maintained society’s “super structure”
Why do evolutionary socialists like Webb think of society
Like Marx, agreed that inequality caused by capitalism has led to a regressive society. However, rather than believing in class war, she stressed the “harmonious relationship” that can exist between classes (Owen)
What did Webb think the ideal society would look like
A society where there is a balance between consumers who wanted to buy quality goods (through co-ops), producers who want to work in good conditions (trade unions) and citizens who wanted peace and order (Parliament)
Marx’s claim of a classless society is unrealistic
What do SDs like crossland think about society
He said that society is increasingly complicated, altered by the emergence of new social groups like ‘meritocratic’ managers. Despite this, he still believed that class divisions were too entrenched
What did crossland think would improve society
He thought improving education was the key to establishing substantial “equality of opportunity”
What do 3rd way socialists like giddens think of society
He argued that society has fully undergone “embourgeoisement”, and that in this increasingly individualistic society, we must stress the importance of social inclusion
How did giddens think that we should improve social inclusion
Doing more to address social issues that stopped people, especially children, from accessing true “equality of opportunity, like divorce rates
Why is this significant
Unlike Marx, giddens thought that class is no longer as relevant in society, and that to ensure a truly perfect society, social reforms to ensure civil rights for all were key
