Thinkers' quotes

Question 1

Marx and Engels

Answer 1

“The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie.”

Question 2

Engels

Answer 2

“The state is nothing but a machine for the oppression of one class by another.”

Question 3

Luxemburg

Answer 3

“The state is not a neutral institution, but is always allied with the dominant economic class.”
“The capitalist economy is inherently unstable, and crises are an inevitable part of its functioning.”
“Socialism means the elimination of the capitalist system, with its exploitation of labour and the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a small minority.”

Question 4

Webb

Answer 4

“The state has a duty to provide for the basic needs of the population, such as food, shelter and medical care.”
“The economy must be planned and managed in a way that ensures social justice and economic efficiency.”
“Socialism means the end of the class system and the creation of a society in which all individuals have the opportunity to develop their full potential.”

Question 5

Crosland

Answer 5

“The purpose of socialism is to increase the general welfare of the population and not to merely expropriate the rich.”
“A socialist society would place much greater emphasis on collective provision for basic human needs, such as health care, housing, education and social security.”

Question 6

Giddens

Answer 6

“Socialism is not about the state taking over the economy, but about the creation of a new kind of economy, in which economic activity is guided by collective interests.”
“The state has a role in regulating the market, but it cannot substitute for market mechanisms in allocating resources.”