tensions within socialism

Question 1

is human nature a tension in socialism ?

Answer 1

argument against - NO because all socialists believe that human nature is malleable,

Question 2

give an argument that suggests that human nature is a tension in socialism

Answer 2

• human nature is a tension in socialism because fundamentalists would argue that the true nature of humans has been corrupted by a capitalist society- eg kARL MARX and engles this is because they argue that society shapes individuals and the economic system therefore people will suffer from a false class consciousness’ that will only be cured by the overthrowal of capitalism which will restore the true cooperative nature of humanity
  VS
  compared with a revisionist idea of human nature such as anthony giddens that suggests that human nature will prosper under capitalism , this will improve the cooperative , collective nature of humanity

Question 3

give an argument for society as a tension between socialists

Answer 3

• according to revolutionary socialists such as karl marx views society as sick and inimical against socialist values , this has been one of the key factors in contributing to a capitalist society he believes that only a revolution can provied
• where as a evolutionist such as Beatrice webb would argues that a society can gradually be improved without the need for such an radical approach which has been illustrated in marks view
• this differs from the view of a revisionist that would argue that society could be improved through capitalism and private ownership

Question 4

what are some agreements of socialist views on society

Answer 4

• all socialist generally believe that society could improve as this is the crucial determinant of our personalities so if this was made more equal this would improve our behaviours and attitudes

Question 5

what are some tensions regrading the state /

Answer 5

• there is a tension regarding what type of state is needed
• mark believed that the current capitalist state needed overthrowal and replaced with a proletarian dictatorship
• evolutionary fundamentalists would argue that the state could be used to steer society towards a socialist values

-constitution in a capitalist society is needed whereas in a communist society needs the capitalism to be abolished

Question 6

what are agreements regarding the state

Answer 6

• socialist generally agree that a state is vital in promoting socialist values

Question 7

what are some tensions regarding the economy

Answer 7

• neo capitalist economy should be created quickly by revolution according to marx and engles
• non capitalist economy created gradually through a series of elected socialist gov evolutionary socialists such as beatrice webb
• revisionist- socialism is possible ith a capitalist economy
• eg crosland social democratic revisionist that believes that this will be achieved through a mixed economy- kenyism
• third way eg giddens economy should be neo libral , privatised and de regualted