Tensions/agreements/beliefs Flashcards
What are the 4 types of equality ?
- Equality of opportunity
- equality of outcome
- Absolute equality
- Equality of welfare
Equality of opportunity
- Individuals are entitled to equal chances to make the best of their abilities (positive steps to ensure no barriers)
Equality of outcome
- Proposes that economic rewards should be distributed to the value of an individual’s contribution
Absolute equality
- Individuals should receive the same rewards as long as the contributions made to society are to the best of their ability
Equality of welfare
- Society is inevitably unequal but everyone should be entitled to an equal minimum standard of living which is enabled by the provision of the welfare state
Revolutionary socialists belief on ‘equality of opportunity’ ?
- Equality of opportunity can only occur after a revolution due to capitalism being so corrupt that it is beyond reform
Democratic socialists belief on ‘equality of opportunity’ ?
- Webb argued that equality of opportunity can only be achieved by reforming capitalism to the point that it is truly socialist eg common ownership of society
Social democrats belief on ‘equality of opportunity’ ?
- Crosland believed in a mixed economy with state management based on Keynesian ideas
- Wished to break down class barriers as they were irrelevant
- Argued for progressive taxation + to allow an even distribution of opportunities via an expansive welfare state
Third way belief on ‘equality of opportunity’ ?
- Equality of opportunity needs to target the neediest in society (the underclass)
- Giddens advocated abandoning the universal welfare state
What do all socialists believe in regards to human nature ?
- Human nature is not fixed and is easily shaped (for good and bad) by an individual’s environment
- Human nature is malleable
What do socialists see society as ?
- Collection of broadly equal individuals who share a common identity and collective purpose
- Cooperation and collectivism rather than individualism and competition
What do socialists agree about the economy ?
- Concerned about the effect that unchecked capitalism can have on the individual
What underpins society ?
- Fraternity and community (humans regard each other as siblings rather than rivals)
Who argues capitalism can be used for the greater good ?
- Social democracy and in particular the third way
Who are most hostile to capitalism ?
- Revolutionary socialism and democratic socialism
Revolutionary socialism (Vision of humanity)
- Marx and Engels
- Individuals are by capitalism so therefore capitalism must be abolished by a revolution
- Following a transitional period, a classless communist society would emerge
Democratic socialism (vision of common humanity)
- Webb argued for a socialist state via the ballot box
- This would include common ownership of the means of production achieved by a bureaucratic elite
Social democracy (vision of common humanity)
- Capitalism should be reformed not replaced
- Crosland had a vision of : Mixed economy, state intervention based on Keynesian economics and a welfare state to challenge poverty and social inequality