Socialism - society, economy, state Flashcards
economy
Against capitalism and private ownership which is said to encourage competitiveness, ruthless egotism and generated huge inequalities of outcome.
Rejection of laissez faire capitalism and attitudes – argue that low tax and little state interference = unfairness and social injustice.
Believe in progressive taxation – rich pay more. Leads to greater social justice.
Progressive public spending – taxes used for less fortunate e.g. benefits.
Extensive public services guaranteed for all and state owned.
Extensive regulation of capitalism, e.g. legal min. wage, health and safety regulation. Designed to
prevent exploitation by the richer.
Collectivist policies seen to make economy more efficient – argued it is more stable and
manageable, therefore more likely to provide material resources society needs (in contrast to the inherently volatile and unpredictable nature of capitalism.
society
Focuses on individual’s social environment – individual society.
For socialists, individuals are product of society into which they are born. Society is an
independent construct formed by impersonal forced and shape an individual’s life thereafter.
The way a society’s resources are determined and distributed have a crucial impact upon nature
of society and thus human behaviour.
Society is often cited as main reason for individuals not fulfilling their potential – if society is
improved, prospects for individuals is improved.
Socialists believe social class is central to an individual’s fate.
Believe in equality of outcome: greater similarity of people’s material resources and
circumstances – to have quality of opportunity there must be equality of outcome first.
Seek a narrowing of the gap between rich and poor otherwise it will continue to foster greed,
envy, resentment and division.
Great emphasis on social justice, e.g. universal health care, education, minimum wage.
state
Advocate an extensive and strong state because without one it would be impossible to bring about a fairer and more equal society.
Some socialists argue that eventually the state will ‘wither away’ but for now it is much needed.
Reject monarchical state, theocratic state (based on religious principles) and aristocratic state (based on hereditary ruling class).
Advocate a state where political power is redistributed and where decision making reflects equality and empowerment of ‘the people’.
