socialists and society Flashcards
agree -society should & can be reconstructed to pursue equality
-econ inequality-unfair & undermines collectivism & cooperation, so state should act to restructure society in pursuit of equality
-rejects lib thought -justifies econ disparities due to individual diffs in ability, effort & choices.
-believe a persons socio-econ status -luck & class rather than by abilities/efforts
-led to redistributive policies aimed at
-so all believe society=improved-state action to address inequality
Marx & Engels-comm society where resources are distributed equally across society
-priniciple of society -‘from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs’
-socialists-econ equality-not just a matter of fairness-also essential for fostering a sense of collectivism & nurturing cooperative H.N.
-sig disparities in wealth/power=social & class conflict which impedes development of society based on mutual aid & cooperation.
-need to reduce these inequalities to create a harmonious society.
-vision of more equitable society aligns w socialist idea of common ownership of MoP, where wealth generated by community is shared equitably.
-in this comm society, the state has withered away.
socialists disagree on extent to which equality should be promoted
-socialists agree equality should be promoted but disagree extent
rev S -absolute equality-outcome, eradication of all class distinctions & inequalities in wealth/power
Marx-only by overthrowing capitalist system-inherently exploitative & root of inequality, as it concentrates wealth & MoP-hands of a few.
-collective ownership of Mop-dismantling class structure that underlines societal inequalities
-classless comm soc - resources/power distributes equally among pop according to need -distinctions that drive social inequality -cease to exist =absolute equality.
-social dems- reject rev socialists pursuit of absolute equality & complete abolition of capitalism instead promote equality of opp & some outcome by humanising/reforming capitalism
-see absolute equality as impractical & advocate for equal of opp - believing everyone should have a fair chance to succeed in life regardless of socio-econ background -aim to level playing field.
-Crosland -comprehensive education -aimed to provide a similar level of education to all students
-also ensured all citizens have equal access to basic welfare -strong safety net to meet essential needs of individuals -mitigating harsher aspects of capitalism.
-some equal of outcome -progressive tax & redistribution. -Wilson’s lab govt in 1970’s -top rate of income tax was 83%
-reflects believe that state should reduce econ disparities, ensuring a decent sol for all.
P2 - 3rd way socialist differ
-only equal of opp
-comfortable w ppl -wealthy as long as they paid their taxes - difference from earlier attitudes which sought to redistribute wealth.
-okay because everyone had equal opps to succeed -so disparities were acceptable as they were a reflection of individual talent/effort
-top rate of income tax -only 40%
-education essential -ppl -chance to develop skills & talents & succeed on their own merits
-Blair -‘education, education, education’.
-strong welfare state -provide a safety net & support in econ.
P3- disagree - class exploitation & oppression are inherent to society under capitalism.
-rev socialists view social class - binary system of class domination based on division of capital & labour.
-oppression of proletariat /w/c by bourgeoisie (class conflict) is inherent to society under capitalism -which directly serves the interets of the B & so state has to be abolished/overthrown to achieve a classless comm society envisioned by Marx.
- ‘principles of communism’, Engels wrote ‘the proletarian can free himself only by abolishing private property in general’
-aim to help w/c achieve class consciousness (collective identity & shared interests in opp to B)
-crucial in rallying w/c to rev & overthrow capitalism
-Rosa luxembourg - emphasised TU & w/c organisation -believed through this w/c would become increasingly aware of collective power
- ‘the w/c in every country only learn to fight in the course of their struggles’
P3 -how do social dems differ
-class -central to structure of society & champion cause of w/c
but -not binary, more complex -rise of new classes e.g managerial & professional
-class structures less rigid due to changes in modern capitalist societies
-‘future of socialism’ -Crosland -‘ordinary worker lives at what even 2 decades ago would’ve been considered in Britain a m/c standard of life’
-focus on creating a more equitable society within capitalist framework rather than abolishing class distinctions
-3rd way - focused on creating equal of opp irrespective of class background
-increased globalised/modern world -old ideas of class struggle -less relevant & focus needed to be empowering ppl to succeed in changing econ.
-instead of binary class struggle between P & B -shared community between all of society.
-Giddens - said new social inequalities -not strictly based on class -e.g issues of age, gender, ethnicity -sig roles in social stratification.
