the core ideas of socialism

Question 1

fraternity definition in socialist terms

Answer 1

fellow humans should be regarded as ‘siblings’

should be the norm

Question 2

socialist view of human nature

Answer 2

optimistic
naturally co-operative+generous
seek fraternity
true nature been diluted by time+circumstance

Question 3

do socialist see human nature as malleable

Answer 3

yes
more optimistic about how it could be
can be adjusted to fulfill full potential

Question 4

socialist view on society in relation individuals

Answer 4

they don’t make up society
they are product of it
focus on each individuals society

Question 5

how is society formed according to socialists

Answer 5

independent construct

formed by impersonal forces (mainly economic)-shapes individuals inside

Question 6

what is means of production (impersonal force shaping society)

Answer 6

way a society’s resources are determined+distributed

has crucial impact on nature of society+human behaviour

Question 7

what do socialist think about people being masters of their destiny

Answer 7

can’t happen
depends on nature of society
society is main reason for people not reaching potential

Question 8

what do socialist think would happen if society improved

Answer 8

corresponding improvement in prospect of individual

Question 9

for socialists what was the main consequence of the industrial revolution (society)

Answer 9

class grouping (based on income) 
this shapes their prospects+status

Question 10

what did marx and engels say about the social class (society)

Answer 10

it determines their status in societies economy

Question 11

what did Marx and more modern socialist note about the difference in class (society)

Answer 11

unequal with power+influence

some individuals have more opportunity to exploit their potential

Question 12

what does it mean that socialists want equality of outcome

Answer 12

more similarity between material resources+circumstance

Question 13

define social justice (society)

Answer 13

e.g health care+education+minimum wage

Question 14

in society what do socialist want to narrow

Answer 14

gap between richest+poorest 
regardless of intelligence, those born into lower class will have less opportunities

Question 15

how would socialist secure better equality of opportunity

Answer 15

first be greater equality in outcome

generation which allows inequality of outcome will produce ineuqality of opportunity in next one

Question 16

what did socialist believe was an insufficient way of dealing with the poor

Answer 16

just to improve their conditions 
need to narrow social class gap-otherwise no co-operation

Question 17

what is social class determined by (economy)

Answer 17

economic system underpinning it

Question 18

what threaten natural human nature (economy)

Answer 18

capitalism-encourages persuit of self interest

Question 19

what does free market capitalism promote which socialist dont like

Answer 19

huge inequalities of outcome

this opposes social justice+equality of opportunity

Question 20

what type of economy would socialists want

Answer 20

greater worker control over employment

redistribution of wealth+resources

Question 21

what are the two broad principles involved in ‘redistributionist’ socialist economy

Answer 21

rejection of laissez faire capitalism
greater collectivisim
this will help focus on needs of society

Question 22

what are the 5 different forms economic collectivism can take in a socialist economy

Answer 22

progressive taxation
progressive public spending
extensive public services
state/common ownership

Question 23

progressive taxation (economic collectivism)

Answer 23

extract wealth on ‘sliding’ scale

richer contribute more than the poor

Question 24

progressive public spending (economic collectivism)

Answer 24

state uses economic resources its aquired to better less fortunate elements of society
e.g benefits

Question 25

extensive public services (economic collectivism)

Answer 25

health care+education funded through tax

Question 26

extensive state regulation of capitalism (economic collectivism)

Answer 26

legal minimum wage
equal pay
health+safety laws

Question 27

state/common ownership (economic collectivism)

Answer 27

used when private enterprise fails in parts

state is better at allocating resources

Question 28

what is the primary aim of economic collectivism

Answer 28

redistribute wealth+resources

also better social justice+make economy more efficient

Question 29

why does economic collectivism make the economy more efficient

Answer 29

market forces are unpredictable- can cause mass unemployment
collectivised economy is more stable+manageable
more likely to meet societal needs

Question 30

socialist views on the state

Answer 30

without strong state, can’t make equal society
need it to re-distribute wealth
orthodox=state ‘wither away’
will be a ‘lip service’
decision making should reflect principle of equality+’empowerment’ of people

Question 31

as well as strong what should the state also be

Answer 31

extensive