Socialism: Tensions Flashcards
How do revolutionary socialists view the state in a capitalist system?
An instrument of oppression supporting the ruling class
Withers away in a post revolutionary society
How do evolutionary socialists (social democrats and Third Way) view the state in a capitalist system?
Immense potential to intervene in all aspects of life to create a fair and equitable society
What is the shared view of all socialists regarding the economy?
See a productive economy as positive
issue is how wealth is shared
How do revolutionary socialists want to handle the capitalist economic system?
Wish to abolish it
so wealth can be:
equally owned
distributed equally
How do revolutionary socialists want to handle the capitalist economic system?
Wish to abolish it so that wealth can be equally owned and distributed in common rather than in private hands.
How do social democrats aim to achieve socialism?
Gradual change with democratic reforms
Reach a society without a revolution
What do revolutionary socialists believe about achieving a fairer society?
Believe the capitalist system can only be destroyed through revolution
Democratic means do not work
How does the Third Way view socialism?
Harmony between the best parts of socialism and capitalism
What is the focus of social democrats within evolutionary socialism?
Target the WC
Use an interventionist state to make economic and social changes to tame capitalism
How does the Third Way differ from traditional social democracy within evolutionary socialism?
Seeks a more willing acceptance of FM individualism
What historical division within the UK reflects the tension within evolutionary socialism?
Old (Attlee) Labour
VS
New (Blair) Labour
