Core Ideas

Question 1

core ideas and principles of socialism

Answer 1

collectivism

common humanity

equality

social class

workers’ control

Question 2

what is the most distinctive feature of socialism?

Answer 2

The most distinctive feature of socialism is its opposition to capitalism which is a system based on individualism, competition and inequality

Socialism seeks to provide a more humane alternative by creating a society founded on collectivism, cooperation and social equality

Within socialism there are various traditions that aim to either remove or reduce class divisions

Question 3

what is capitalism?

Answer 3

Capitalism is an economic and political system in which wealth, property and resources are owned privately rather than by the state with the intention of generating profit

It is the economic driving force of the modern global economy

Socialism seeks to provide a more humane alternative to capitalism by creating a society founded on collectivism corporation and social equality

Question 4

what is the bourgeoisie?

Answer 4

Bourgeoisie is the social class that owns the capitalist means of production and societies wealth

Assumed to be the most interested in preserving their private property and wealth

Question 5

what is the proletariat?

Answer 5

The proletariat is the working class, wage earners

This social class does not own the means of production in a capitalist society and are seen to be exploited by the bourgeoisie

Question 6

what is economic determinism?

Answer 6

Economic determinism is the belief that our behaviour is determined by the structure of the economy, meaning that our behaviour will change if the economic system changes

For socialists, this change
is from capitalism to socialism with an emphasis on equality and social justice

Question 7

economic determinism: who is able to shape the rest of society?

Answer 7

For example in a few to society and agricultural economy the peasants and serfs do not own land

The nobles, Lords, aristocracy and the Monarch of the land and the means of production

Whoever owns this can control the economy and shape the rest of society

Question 8

economic determinism: what is the relationship between the superstructure and base of society?

Answer 8

Superstructure: politics, religion, family, media

Base: relations of production, means of production

The base shapes the superstructure and the superstructure maintains and legitimises the base

Question 9

critique of capitalism: what is the fundamental socialist belief in capitalism?

Answer 9

Capitalism must be overhauled to create a better society

Question 10

critique of capitalism: how do different strands of socialism differ in their critique of capitalism?

Answer 10

Social Democrats believed that capitalism can be humanised by making small adjustments to achieve a fairer distribution

Democratic socialists believe that change can be achieved on the basis of a mandate through Parliamentary elections of a Socialist party

Marxists believe that capitalism must be completely overthrown via a revolution, then to be replaced by communism

Question 11

critique of capitalism: what is communism?

Answer 11

Communism is an economic system based upon public ownership and a planned economy

Examples = Communist Russia, Cuba under Fidel Castro, China under Mao Ze Dong

Question 12

critique of capitalism: how do Marxists believe a communist system will be established?

Answer 12

1) There will be conflict between the interests of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie
2) This leads to a class struggle
3) The proletariat start a revolution against their oppressors
4) The proletariat forms a brief dictatorship
5) The class struggle comes to an end with a Communist system (“The end of history”)

Question 13

collectivism: why is collectivism one of the most important values of socialism?

Answer 13

Collectivism is one of the most important values underpinning socialist ideology because it informs other socialist values such as equality, welfare and comment ownership

It reflects the socialist view that the interest of society as a whole is more important than individual interests

Question 14

collectivism: what is collectivism?

Answer 14

Collectivism is the idea that humans can achieve their political social and economic objectives more effectively through collective action rather than through individual effort

It also implies that society can only be transformed by collective endeavour

Therefore it is desirable to construct a system that facilitates shared goals and common humanity

Collectivism offers a way of achieving an ideal society

Question 15

collectivism: what is the benefit of acting in solidarity?

Answer 15

Acting in solidarity with other people can strengthen our position when negotiating

For example trade unions use collective-bargaining because action taken by groups is more effective than action taken by individuals

Question 16

collectivism: why do socialists endorse collectivism?

Answer 16

Socialists endorse collectivism because…

1) Morally — The interests of the group (society and communities) should take priority over individual self interests, collectivism encourages social unity and a sense of social responsibility towards others

Collectivism reflects the socialist view that the interests of society are more important than interest of the individual

2) Economically — Collectivism utilises the capabilities of the whole society efficiently, avoiding the wastefulness and limited impact of individual effort inherent in the capitalist economy

Question 17

collectivism: what is the emphasis on collectivism rooted in?

Answer 17

The emphasis on collectivism is rooted in the socialist view of human nature which argues that humans are social animals so prefer to live in social groups rather than alone

We have the capacity for collective action and can work together to achieve our goals, we are tied together by the bones of fraternity

Question 18

collectivism: what is fraternity?

Answer 18

Fraternity is the idea of a brotherhood, humans are bound together by comradeship and a common outlook because we have the same basic nature and interests, differences due to race class et cetera are far less significant

The sharing of common interests and beliefs

Capitalism leads to the exploitation of workers but workers can group together in fraternity against their capitalist oppressors

together workers can overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with socialism, the resulting common ownership of wealth leads to improved fraternity

Question 19

collectivism: what is human nature moulded by? what does this lead socialists to conclude?

Answer 19

Human nature is moulded by social conditions (the experiences and circumstances of a persons life)

People can only be defined or understood in terms of the social groups they belong to

This leads socialists to conclude that membership of the community or society offers true freedom and fulfilment

Question 20

collectivism: what do most socialists call for in order to promote collectivist goals?

Answer 20

Most socialists call for some form of state intervention and state planning to promote collectivist goals and ensure that the distribution of goods and services is not left to free market forces

The pursuit of collectivism involves the growth of the state and its responsibility and the expansion of state services and an increase in state spending

Question 21

collectivism: what are the divisions between socialism in regard to their commitment to collectivism? what do Marxists believe about collectivism?

Answer 21

Different strands of socialism vary in their commitment to collectivism

Marxists and state socialists advocate collective action through a centralised state that organises most or all production and distribution

For example in the USSR after 1929 most industries were nationalised and all agricultural land was collectivised to transform the state into a modern industrial society using complete state control of the economy to bring about change

After World War II Communist regimes in China and Eastern Europe adopted similar policies of state controlled collectivism

Question 22

collectivism: what do moderate socialists believe about collectivism?

Answer 22

Moderate socialist except some degree of freemarket capitalism and pursue collectivism in a more limited way

For example the 1945 to 51 Labour government nationalised key industries such as coal and electricity but left much of the economy under private ownership

Question 23

collectivism: what are common forms of socialist collectivism?

Answer 23

Common forms of socialist collectivism…

• subsidised homes provided by local government
• State run school system that is free and available to everyone
• Key industries under state control to operate in national interest
• National health service funded from general taxation which provides free care based on need
• Work is organised in trade unions with bargaining rights over terms and conditions

Question 24

collectivism: what has the term collectivism been applied to? is collectivism an exclusively socialist idea?

Answer 24

The term collectivism has been applied to and used to describe many different things, including small self-governing communities, the general opposite of individualism and a system of centralised state control that directs the economy and society

The term is also not exclusively linked to socialism — Many other ideologies Including feminism and nationalism have adopted collectivist approaches and liberals and conservatives in various European countries have also backed state welfare measures and government intervention in the economy

Question 25

collectivism: what are the two main criticisms of collectivism?

Answer 25

There are two basic criticisms of collectivism 1) Collectivism emphasises group action and common interest therefore suppressing human individuality and diversity 2) Collectivist approaches can only really be advanced through the agency of the state so leads to the growth of arbitrary state power and the erosion of individual freedoms

Question 26

collectivism: what has happened since the 1970s?

Answer 26

Since the 1970s socialist have attached less importance to collectivism Due to a growing perception that in developed countries like the UK collectivism (In the form of state welfare trade union power and government intervention) produces a dependency culture and a sluggish and uncompetitive economic sector The end of the Cold War in 1989 and the collapse of the USSR in 1991 reinforced this as collectivism suffered a significant ideological defeat

Question 27

collectivism: what are the different opinions of collectivism?

Answer 27

Socialists believe collectivism leads to the achievement of a better society Liberals believe collectivism leads to tyranny of the majority

Question 28

common humanity: what is common humanity?

Answer 28

Common humanity is the idea that humans are social creatures with a tendency to cooperation sociability and rationality We naturally prefer to cooperate rather than compete against each other and this produces the best results for society

Question 29

common humanity: how can the individual be understood?

Answer 29

The individual cannot be understood without reference to society because behaviour is socially determined

Question 30

common humanity: where does the socialist belief in common humanity come from?

Answer 30

Socialist view human nature very differently to Conservatives and Liberals The Socialists believe in common humanity is based on their views of human nature Socialist advocate common humanity due to the positive view of human nature — They believe that humans are naturally inclined to work together for the common good

Question 31

common humanity: what do socialists believe about human nature?

Answer 31

Human nature is malleable and can be changed by the economic system Capitalism brings out the worst in human nature whereas socialism leads to a better, common humanity Because we are social creatures that will cooperate to achieve the common good and there is no natural hierarchy Industries should be state run to serve our collective best interests

Question 32

common humanity: what is cooperation?

Answer 32

Cooperation is the idea of working collectively to achieve mutual benefits Socialism seeks to create a world based on cooperation with our fellow people they advocate cooperation based on their positive view of human nature people who cooperate form connections based on understanding respect and mutual support

Question 33

common humanity: how does cooperation benefit society?

Answer 33

Cooperation benefits society because it channels the capabilities of the whole group rather than just the potential of an individual This is because people who cooperate rather than complete one connection is based on understanding respect and mutual support

Question 34

common humanity: what is the problem with competition?

Answer 34

Competition is wasteful, promotes social divisions and generates conflict, hostility and resentment Capitalist competition sets people against each other which leads them to reject their common humanity and become self interested and belligerent This is against their true nature, capitalism therefore prevents humans achieving their true potential

Question 35

common humanity: what has the emphasis on common humanity led socialists to conclude?

Answer 35

The emphasis on common humanity has led socialist to conclude that humans can be driven and motivated by morals as well as material considerations People want to contribute to the betterment of society because they have a sense of responsibility for other humans particularly the less fortunate This moral incentive to act rests on the acceptance of a common humanity People should work hard in order to improve their society or community — we have a sense of responsibility to others rooting from our common humanity

Question 36

common humanity: what do most contemporary socialists accept the need for?

Answer 36

Most contemporary socialists accept the need for at least some material rewards to motivate people but stress that these should be linked to moral incentives For example cooperative effort to boost economic growth increases living standards for the working population but also provides funds through taxation to finance welfare measures to help the vulnerable and poor

Question 37

common humanity: what has socialist thinking about a common humanity led to the development of?

Answer 37

Socialist thinking about a common humanity and the benefits of cooperation has led to the development of the cooperative movement

Question 38

common humanity: what is the cooperative movement? what was it originally influenced by and when did it begin?

Answer 38

The cooperative movement was originally influenced by the ideas of Owen and Fourier Cooperatives are voluntary associations designed to provide economic assistance for their members, they are owned and run by workers or consumers The movement began in the mid 19th century with the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers in the UK, Cooperatives were then subsequently established in many other countries including France Germany and the USA Cooperatives take many forms such as farming and wholesale cooperatives, mutual insurance companies, credit and banking operatives et cetera

Question 39

common humanity: what do different socialists believe about state intervention?

Answer 39

The belief in common humanity has led socialists to support an interventionist role for the state Marxists and state socialists argue that the state can be used to control economic production and distribution for the benefit of everyone Social Democrats also argue for state intervention but in the more limited form of welfare and redistribution programmes to help those in the greatest need

Question 40

equality: what is another fundamental value of socialism?

Answer 40

The pursuit of social equality particularly equality of outcome is the fundamental value of socialism Although some strands of socialism reject equality of outcome

Question 41

equality: what are the three main reasons why socialists advocate equality?

Answer 41

Socialist advocate equality because... 1) Equality ensures fairness 2) Equality reinforces collectivism 3) Equality satisfies basic human needs

Question 42

equality: how does equality ensure fairness?

Answer 42

Socialist advocate equality because equality ensures fairness Economic inequality (differences in wealth) is due to the structural inequalities inherent in a capitalist society, such inequality is not due to innate differences of ability among people Due to this some socialists reject equality of opportunity for justifying the unequal treatment of people on the grounds of their ability, this reflects the view that humans are born with the potential to be equal other Socialists believe that inequality in the form of differential rewards is inevitable to some extent because it is part of human nature to have different abilities and attributes Such socialists tend to endorse and egalitarian approach to ensure that people are treated less unequally in terms of material rewards and living conditions Without this commitment to social egalitarianism, formal equality (political and social) Is compromised because there would be no measures to tackle structure inequalities such as social class that are inherent in capitalism

Question 43

equality: how does equality reinforce collectivism?

Answer 43

Socialists also advocate equality because it reinforces collectivism Equality reinforces collectivism corporation and solidarity within society and the economy Humans are more likely to coexist harmoniously and work together for the common economic good if they share equal social and economic conditions For example modern Sweden has high levels of social equality largely due to its extensive wealthy distribution and social welfare programmes Arguably such measures have significantly contributed to the stability cohesion and economic output of Swedish society While social inequality encourages conflict and instability, societies that have economic and social inequalities tend to be unstable as they are sharply divided into the haves and have nots Eventually the disadvantaged sections of society will revolt in protest against their conditions if inequality is not addressed, as happened in Russia in 1917 and Mexico in 1910 to 20 Only the state can combat the divisive effects of the free market some socialists condemn equality of opportunity for encouraging a competitive dog eat dog society

Question 44

equality: how does equality satisfy basic human needs?

Answer 44

Socialists also advocate equality because it satisfies basic human needs Such needs a part of human nature and essential to a sense of human fulfilment Everyone is basic needs are the same — We all require food shelter friendship et cetera so unequal distribution of wealth and resources will satisfy these basic needs and help promote human fulfilment while helping people realise their potential The free market driven by profit cannot fairly allocate wealth and resources to everyone in society Only the state via redistribution programs and social welfare can provide for everyone regardless of their social position

Question 45

equality: what are the different debates about equality?

Answer 45

Debates about equality... * The extent to which equality can or should be achieved * Types of equality

Question 46

equality: what is the debate about the extent to which equality can or should be achieved about?

Answer 46

One of the biggest debates about equality is the extent to which equality can or should be achieved This debate concerns the role of the state in bringing about equality

Question 47

equality: what do revolutionary socialists argue about the extent to which equality can or should be achieved through the state?

Answer 47

Revolutionary socialists such as Marxist demand absolute equality for everyone in terms of material rewards and life opportunities equality of opportunity is not enough This can only be achieved by the controlled distribution of goods and services the abolition of private property and the common ownership of the means of production The state can guarantee this by exercising common ownership and supervising the distribution of resources to prevent inequality

Question 48

equality: what do social democrats argue about the extent to which equality can or should be achieved via the state?

Answer 48

Social Democrats favour more limited state intervention to achieve equality within society via welfare measures government spending and progressive taxation Primary aim is to remove absolute poverty and then a certain level of inequality can be tolerated They do not wish for the state to own or control all the means of production estates role is to narrow differences in wealth and life chances by adjusting distribution Seek to reform rather than abolish capitalism and believe that material incentives continue to play an important role in human motivation Flexible approach to equality, embrace equality of opportunity and do not seek absolute equality

Question 49

equality: what are the different types of equality?

Answer 49

Equality of outcome Equality of opportunity Absolute equality Equality of welfare

Question 50

equality: what is equality of outcome?

Answer 50

Equality of outcome is the idea that rewards should be based on an individual’s contributions This will vary from person to person so some inequality will persist but differences in rewards will be much narrower compared to the free market system Tends to be supported by fundamentalist socialists who reject capitalism — These Socialists believe that equality of outcome is a way of removing the free markets influence over peoples lives Social Democrats and the third way oppose equality of outcome due to it being an artificial social and economic ‘levelling’

Question 51

equality: what is equality of opportunity?

Answer 51

Equality of opportunity is the idea that everyone should have an equal chance to rise and fall in life and make the most of their abilities There should be a level playing field with no artificial barriers to prevent those from progressing Supported by social Democrats and the third way on meritocratic grounds Rejected by Marxists for not removing capitalism and its structural inequalities

Question 52

equality: what is absolute equality?

Answer 52

Absolute equality is the idea that everyone receives the same rewards providing that they make some sort of contribution to society Overtime everyone will make a roughly equal contribution Supported by Marxists as the basis of a Communist society Rejected by social Democrats and the third way as impractical and potentially destabilising

Question 53

equality: what is equality of welfare?

Answer 53

Equality of welfare is the idea that human society is inevitably on equal but everyone is entitled to an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state welfare provision Endorsed by social Democrats and the third way because it provides a vital safety net for the most vulnerable in society Rejected by Marxists as it does not remove capitalism or its structural inequalities

Question 54

equality: why do other ideologies reject equality?

Answer 54

Other ideologies reject equality because it... * Is unjust — Treat everyone the same regardless of their attributes, does not reward people according to skills and attributes or abilities * Reduces ambition initiative and motivation — Remove the incentive to work hard, leads to economic underperformance * Restricts individual liberties — As it can only be implemented through extensive state intervention and control * Stifles diversity and individuality — Encourages a colourless social uniformity where everyone is the same

Question 55

common ownership: what is common ownership?

Answer 55

Workers own the means of production so all are able to participate and it’s running and benefit from the wealth of society

Question 56

common ownership: why is common ownership endorsed by most socialists?

Answer 56

Common ownership is endorsed by most socialists because private property has several drawbacks... * Wealth is created by the communal endeavour of humans so it should be owned collectively rather than by individuals * Private property encourages materialism and the false belief that personal wealth brings fulfilment * Private property causes conflict and tension between the haves and have nots e.g. owners and workers so is not beneficial to society as it prevents cohesion

Question 57

common ownership: what is the tension surrounding common ownership between different strands of socialism?

Answer 57

Some Socialists believe that private property should be abolished entirely and replaced with common ownership But others believe that common ownership should be applied in a more limited way

Question 58

common ownership: example of common ownership

Answer 58

For example in the USSR from the 1930s the Stalinist regime implemented an all in compassing form of common ownership by bringing the entire economy under state control

Question 59

common ownership: example of a more limited version of common ownership

Answer 59

More moderate socialist like the Attlee Labour government in 1945 to 51 opted for limited common ownership by nationalising key industries only including coalmines railways and steelmaking while leaving much of the economy in private hands

Question 60

common ownership: what has happened in recent decades?

Answer 60

In recent decades western socialist parties have placed less emphasis on common ownership in favour of other objectives

Question 61

social class: what does the existence of social classes explain?

Answer 61

The existence of social classes explains the divides within society, rather than the actions of individuals or the essence of human nature itself

Question 62

social class: how has social class been used by socialists?

Answer 62

Social class is used by socialist to enhance their understanding of social and political developments This has led them to conclude that those with similar socio economic backgrounds and positions in society share similar views and have common aims

Question 63

social class: according to socialists, what has been the driving force behind social change throughout history?

Answer 63

Social classes have been the principal agents of change throughout history not individuals or human nature For example Marxists believe that conflict between the ruling and revolutionary classes has been the driving force for change in society and will continue to be

Question 64

social class: why else does socialists focus heavily on social class?

Answer 64

Socialists also focus heavily on social class because they haven’t ideological commitment to represent and improve conditions for the working class At its heart socialism represents the interests of the working class The working class provides the means for bringing about a socialist transformation of society and the economy

Question 65

social class: is social class an essential or everlasting feature of society?

Answer 65

However social class is neither an essential or everlasting feature of society Communists seek to eradicate all class distinctions and other socialist seek to significantly minimise class inequalities

Question 66

social class: what does social class provide a way of doing?

Answer 66

Categorising social class... Social class provides a way of analysing and categorising society by dividing it into different social and economic groups In basic terms a social class consists of a group of people with similar social and economic characteristics

Question 67

social class: what is the Marxist analysis of society based on class?

Answer 67

Marxism offers a highly influential class analysis of society and politics A person’s class is determined by their position within the economy (e.g. landowner, wage earner, capitalist) These economically based class distinctions powerfully shape the nature of society The most crucial class divide it between capital (the bourgeoisie you are in the productive wealth) and labour (the proletariat who have to sell their labour in order to survive)

Question 68

social class: other class definitions

Answer 68

Are the class definitions focus on how occupational groups differ in terms of income and status Middle-class white colour non-manual workers v. Working-class blue-collar manual workers

Question 69

social class: modern model for categorising class

Answer 69

Marketing organisations have developed a sophisticated classification scheme that distinguishes between six categories A = Higher managerial, administrative or professional B = Intermediate managerial, administrative, white collar C1 = Supervisory, clerical C2 = Skilled manual worker D = Semi skilled and unskilled manual worker E = State pensioner, casual worker and unemployed

Question 70

social class: the British Election Study class scheme

Answer 70

The British election study which analyses voting behaviour uses a different class scheme It distinguishes between owners and managers, the petite bourgeoisie (small proprietors) and the working class

Question 71

social class: how is social class arguably declining in influence?

Answer 71

Many believe that social class has a declining influence on society due to deindustrialisation and dealignment dealignment is when a social group abandons its previous parties and loyalty to a particular party, this creates less predictable voting patterns

Question 72

social class: what do Marxists believe about social class?

Answer 72

Social class is central to socialist ideology but socialists disagree on the importance of social class Marxists emphasise the fundamental role of class politics based on the economic divisions between capital and labour A person’s class is economically determined by their relationship to the means of production Conflict is inevitable between the owners of productive wealth (the capitalists and bourgeoisie) and those who have to sell their labour to survive (the proletariat and the working class) Under capitalism the state becomes an instrument of classroom and the ruling classes uses institutions and agencies such as the legal system police and bureaucracy to maintain their dominance over the lower classes This class conflict will grow in intensity and inevitably sharply divided society into the haves and have nots, this leads to the proletarian revolution that overthrow the capitalist state and the bourgeoisie The state will eventually weather away once the workers gains are consolidated and class differences are replaced by a classless, equal society

Question 73

social class: what do social democrats believe about social class?

Answer 73

Social Democrats define social class in more fluid times Emphasise economic (Income) and status differences between manual and non manual occupational groups Argue that socialist objectives can be achieved through targeted state intervention to narrow rather than remove class distinctions The state is not an instrument of oppressive classroom, it is actually a means to reduce class inequalities as it can provide welfare and redistribution schemes Advocate class consensus in society and peaceful social improvement, whereas Marxists stress class conflict and revolutionary action

Question 74

social class: what has happened in the post war period since 1945?

Answer 74

In the post war period since 1945 the connection between socialist ideology and class politics has weakened considerably — The decline in class politics is reflected in the moderate stance of the social Democrats

Question 75

social class: what is the decline in the connection between socialist ideology and class politics a consequence of?

Answer 75

this is a consequence of significant changes in the economy, including deindustrialisation and the rise of the service sector The industrialisation has led to the decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and steelmaking which had previously supported a culture of working-class solidarity, pro Socialist worker politics and powerful trade union organisations Therefore the decline of these industries has undermined working-class solidarity and communities while also reducing the size of the manual workforce This has led to the creation of post industrial societies with service based economies and expanding middle-classes Subsequently moderate socialist parties have adapted their policies to appeal to non-manual workers while attempting to redefine their brand of progressive politics as classless by focusing on environmental or feminist issues that transcend class, placing less emphasis on addressing working-class issues

Question 76

workers’ control: what is workers’ control?

Answer 76

Workers control is the complete or partial ownership of an economic Enterprise like a business or factory by those employed there or can have a wider political meaning of workers control of the state Influences different strands of socialist thought including Marxism and syndicalism Covers a range of schemes that aim to provide workers with full democratic control over their places of employment — Go beyond the simple right to be consulted and participate, instead of seeking to establish real decision-making powers for workers in their industries and occupations

Question 77

workers’ control: why do socialists justify workers’ control?

Answer 77

Socialists justify workers control due to their core values... * Workers control is based on socialist views of human nature — Promotes collective effort and the pursuit of group interests over the individual, also maximise human potential as it emphasises fully involving employees in all aspects of the production process which combat alienation in the workplace and undermines the capitalist view of labour as a mere commodity * Workers control also has significant impacts on the economy — Socialists believe that workers are the key factor in the production process so should have the right to control the means of production

Question 78

workers’ control: what does workers’ control aim to do?

Answer 78

workers control aims to either dilute or replace capitalist control of the economy E.g. French syndicalists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries called for the overthrow of capitalism and the introduction of workers control of the economy based on trade unions and proletarian political institutions

Question 79

workers’ control: what is the divide over workers’ control? what is the syndicalist view of the state’s role in achieving workers’ control?

Answer 79

Those endorsing workers control hold contrasting views regarding the role of the state in a socialist transformation Syndicalists are hostile towards the state and see it as an instrument of capitalist oppression and and inefficient bureaucratic structure incapable of initiating meaningful reform so call for the forceful replacement of the state with a form of workers control based on a federation of trade unions

Question 80

workers’ control: what is the British Guild socialism view of the state?

Answer 80

British guild socialism (a pro workers control movement that emerged in the early 20th century) was internally divided on the role of the state All guild socialists argue for state ownership of industry in pursuit of workers control but some believed the state should essentially remain in its existing form while others believed that it should be turned into a federal body composed of workers guilds, consumers organisations and local government bodies

Question 81

workers’ control: what is workers’ control an important step towards?

Answer 81

Workers control is an important step towards a socialist society Moderate workers control in the form of increased trade union and employee influence over managers decisions in a capitalist society provides a method of introducing limited reform to the social and economic structure A more radical form of workers control involving industrial self management by workers under state socialism reinforces the idea that a socialist society should raise the condition and status of the working class E.g. workers councils operating in Yugoslavia in the 1950s and 60s

Question 82

workers’ control: what do critics of workers’ control suggest?

Answer 82

Critics of workers control suggest that it is utopian and fails to acknowledge that businesses need investors and leaders as well as workers because workers often lack the entrepreneurial attributes necessary for success If workers were to take over management of appointments promotions dismissals et cetera they may adversely affect the economic viability of their workplace

Question 83

workers’ control: what are case studies of workers’ control?

Answer 83

Case studies of workers control... * Russian Revolution * British Guild socialism * Syndicalism in France

Question 84

workers’ control: Russian Revolution

Answer 84

In mid 1917 the Russian economy collapsed under the strain of World War I and workers factory committees were established to supervise or replace managers and try to maintain production By late 1917 this involved around 40% of the Russian industrial working class Bolsheviks issued the decree on workers control in November 1917 which gave additional powers to factory committees Lenin was worried that factory committees would not follow Bolshevik directives so by 1918 he was taking steps to curb their powers Factory committees later emerged with trade unions under firm Bolshevik control

Question 85

workers’ control: British Guild Socialism

Answer 85

British guild socialism emerged in the early 20th century and gained momentum during World War I due to the rise of left-wing shop stewards’ movement which called for workers control in war industries Guild socialists advocated state ownership of industry and workers control by delegating authority to democratically run national guilds The movement collapsed in the 1920s but definitely stimulated debate in the Labour Party and trade union movement about workers’ control

Question 86

workers’ control: Syndicalism in France

Answer 86

the Militant trade union movement began in France in the 1890s and was heavily influenced by Georges Sorel’s Thinking on direct action and the use of general strikes to secure working-class objectives Once a general strike had destroyed capitalist order, syndicalists envisaged a system where each industry would be run by trade unions and political institutions and the state would be replaced by workers control based on a Federation of trade union bodies Syndicalist ideas influenced the development of labour organisations in Italy Spain and the USA in the early 20th century