To what extent do socialists agree about the state? Flashcards
What do different branches of socialism broadly agree on?
They broadly agree on the role of the state.
What is the socialist view on the unreformed state?
All socialists agree that an unreformed state facilitates the naturally exploitative nature of capitalism.
Why do socialists believe the exploitative state cannot continue?
They believe it plays a crucial role in driving economic, political, and social change.
What do revolutionary socialists believe about the state?
They believe the state is merely a committee for the ruling classes and a tool of the bourgeoisie that reinforces capitalism.
What do Marx and Engels argue about the state?
They argue that the state is so corrupt it cannot be reformed and that only a revolution will create the perfect communist society.
What is the evolutionary socialists’ view on the state?
They argue that the state can remodel society without a revolution.
What do evolutionary socialists agree with Webb about?
They agree that the state can change its character to promote equality, cooperation, and community.
What is a point of disagreement among evolutionary socialists?
They disagree on exactly how the state should remodel society and the economy.
What is the fundamental disagreement among socialists regarding the state?
Revolutionary socialists wish to remove the state, while evolutionary socialists wish to reform it.
Who are the most influential revolutionary socialists?
Marx and Engels argue that after the communist revolution, the state will wither away and a stateless communist society will emerge.
What is Luxemburg’s view on the role of the state after a revolution?
Luxemburg argued that a capitalist state should be replaced by a socialist state, complete with democratic elections and free speech.
What is the perspective of democratic socialism on state reform?
Webb argued that the state could be reformed via parliamentary democracy, bringing the economy under common ownership, allowing equality of outcome.
How does social democracy differ from democratic socialism?
Crosland argued that the state should manage the economy via Keynesian economics, supporting a mixed economy and equality of opportunity.
What is Giddens’ view in the third way regarding the state?
Giddens rejected the centralised state model and argued that the state should invest in social investment and infrastructure.
