Core Ideologies - Socialism Flashcards
(58 cards)
1
Q
What is fraternity
A
- a brotherhood, humans bound together by comersdeshio, sharing same basic nature and interests
2
Q
How is humans nature moulded by social conditions
A
- the experiences and circumstances of a persons life, people can only be defined in terms of what social group they belong to
3
Q
What are the most common forms of socialist collectivism
A
- housing: subsidised homes provided by local government
- industrial relations: workers organised in trade unions with bargaining rights over terms and conditions
- education: state runs on the school system which is free and available for everyone
- healthcare: NHS funded from taxes
Industry: key industries under state control to operate in the national interest
4
Q
What are the 2 basic criticisms of collectivism
A
- because it emphasis group action and common interests, it suppressses human individuality and diversity
- collectivist objectives can only be advanced through the agency of the state, it leads to the growth of arbitrary state power and erosion of individual freedom
5
Q
Why do socialists believe in the concept of common humanity
A
- socialists see humans as social creatures with a tendency towards co-operation, sociability and rationality
- have a positive view of human nature, that humans are naturally inclined to work together for the common good and that co-operative effort produces the best results for society
- has led socialists to believe an interventionist role for the state. Marxists and socialists argue that the agency of state can be used to control economic production and distribution for benefit of everyone
6
Q
What is equality
A
Pursuit of social equality is fundamental value of socialism
7
Q
How does social equality ensure fairness
A
Economic inequality to socialists is due to structure of the capitalist society, therefore socialists reject equality of opportunity as it justifies unequal treatment of people. This reflects their human nature view that people are born with potential to be equal
8
Q
How does Social equality reinforces collectivism
A
- people more likely to do-exist harmoniously in society and work together for the common economic good if they share the same social and economic conditions
- could be argues that this encourages conflict and instability as they are divided into haves and have nots, and this can lead to revolt, eg Russia in 1917
9
Q
How did socialism emerge in response to the Industrial Revolution
A
- early 19th century, response to class divisions and economic inequalities brought about by industrial capitalism
- as factories sprang up, harsh conditions and pay faced the masses, leading to a widening gap between the labour force and the wealthy industrialists who owned the factories
10
Q
Who are the main early socialists?
A
- Karl Marx and Engels criticised capitalism for its exploitation of the working class, wanted to overthrow it for an equality based system, redistributing wealth and workers. Promoted revolution across Europe, becoming popular amongst working class
11
Q
What is Revolutionary socialism
A
- Marx and Engels were pivotal insetting out foundations of socialist thought, producing the ‘communist manifesto’ and ‘Das Kapital’
- Marx believed society transitioned through economic development, believing communism would overthrow capitalism through a working class revolution
12
Q
How did Marx believe a working class revolution would occur
A
- thought it was inevitable the working class would seize control of the economy and the state in a violent revolution, and that the working class would fundamentally change society, with a commitment to collectivism and common humanity
13
Q
What are the 6 key principles of Socialism
A
Mnemonic: Weccos
W - workers control
E - equality
C - collectevism
C - common humanity
O - opposition to capitalism
S - social class
14
Q
How did Marx and Engels inspire revolutionary socialism.
A
- their profound and radical ideas inspired radical socialism across Europe, with each party tweaking it to suit their own country
- Lenin and the Bolsheviks had a small party of committed communists leading the working class, leading to the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917
- Rosa Luxembourg emphasised Mass strikes, advocating for a more democratic and grassroots approach, although her Spartacus’s uprising led to her and Liebknecht’s death by the Freikorps
15
Q
What is Revolutionry socialism in practise: The Soviet Union
A
- post the Bolshevik Revolution, all industries and land were nationalised, implementing a wide range of socialist policies like collectivisiom of agriculture and central planning of the economy
- the state controlled virtually all aspects of life politically and economically, however the soviet state increasingly became authoritarian
16
Q
What is Evolutionaty socialism?
A
- uphold socialist principles, but differed in methods to achieve these goals, believing it should be realised gradually, advocating for legal changes to transition society towards socialism.
- sought apsolute equality, with Edward Bernstein being a key figure, believing in key principles but wanted to achieve it democratically
17
Q
In what way did Beatrice Webb support Evolutionary socialism
A
- believed in this especially after WW1, as working class formed majority of electorate.
- she believe in ‘inevitability of gradualness’ as working class would vote for socialist parties until capitalism was abolished, and so this could be achieved peacefully without need for revolution
18
Q
Why did many revolution at socialist reject the idea of evolutionary socialism
A
- claimed it abandoned class struggle, which to revolutionaries is essential to overthrow capitalism, something Rosa Luxembourg voiced,
- in ‘reform or revolution’, by Luxembourg she claims only a revolution led by working class could achieve the deep structural changes needed to eradicate capitalism
19
Q
What is social democracy, and how did it emerge
A
- emerged in mid 20th century adapting to change the political and economic landscape of post-war Europe
- it sought to retain core principles, but within a capitalist system, wanting to reform capitalism to make it more equal, such as progressive taxation, welfare state provisions, and reduce economic disparity.
- focused more on equality of opportunity, and only for nationalisation of key industries, within a mixed economy.
- This pragmatic approach allowed social democracy to gain significant electoral success without dismantling capitalism entirely
20
Q
Why did Sodial democracy emerge, and who was a key figure in it
A
- was partly driven by decline of traditional industrial industries, seeing capitalism as less oppressive
- Anthony Crossland is a key figure, seen in his work, ‘The future of Socialism’ saying many have the luxuries or the rich and that workers still lived a good quality of life
- Also Keynesian economics, as there is some gov intervention, (mixed economy’ socialism can still be achieved
21
Q
How does Britain during the 60s serve as an example of social democracy
A
- Britain embraced a mixed economy, with gov controlling key sectors like coal, railways, water, run in the interests of society, but also allowed private businesses to operate freely in sectors deemed less critical. Keynesian economics implemented, with gov intervention ensuring the economy grew, whilst managing unemployment
EG: top rate of income tax on earned income was 83%
22
Q
Why do some Sodialist view the move to social democracy as a betrayal of the core principles
A
- argued by accommodating capitalism, it didn’t address the inherent class exploitation such as unequal wealth distribution, believing true socialism needed to be more radical restructuring of society
- seen in labour in the 1980s as Michael Foot was a more traditional socialist, leading to factions within the party, as he wanted to nationalise more industries, exit the EEC, abolish the HOL
23
Q
What is the Third way
A
- a middle way between laissez faire capitalism and social democracy, with privatisation accepted, but state to promote equality of opportunity
- believed free market capitalism was best for economic growth, focusing more on the principle of equality, especially in education and wanted taxation to support economic competitiveness rather then redistribute wealth
24
Q
What did Anthony Goddens belief about the Third Way
A
- argued new societal challenges required a new imagining of Social democracy, advocating for a ‘radical center’ approach blending market liberalism with social justice
- this represented a evolution in left-centrist policy, adapting to new realities rather then adhering to traditional class based view of society promoting the interest of the working class
25
Why do almost all socialist fundamentally reject the Third way
- represents a rejection of the key principles, so shouldn’t even be classified as socialism
- economic view of the third way undermined socialist commitment to challenge class oppression
- also fails to address the inherent inequalities produced by capitalism, as it perpetuates economic and social disparities rather then eliminating them
26
What’s an example of the third way in practise
- New Labour, Blair’s government embraced free market capitalism and moved away from traditional socialist policies
- seen with maintenance of 40% tax bracket in top rate of income, signaling a departure from high taxation rates, which in the 60s was 83%
- advocated for privatisation through private finance initiatives, as well as a move away from Keynesian economics
- promoted equality of opportunity, seen through national minimum wage and more access to higher education, as his main priotitiy was education
- Blair also reduced role of trade unions, moving away from collectivism, and moving towards an individualist stance
27
What is collectevism
- belief that collective action of individuals is of greater moral and practical value to society than individual effort
- socialists argue collectevism is most efficient way to harness and distribute society’s resources to benefit everyone leading to a more equitable and just distribution of wealth and opportunity
- socialist support for trade unions is a good example, as trade unions are seen as essential for empowering workers collectively to negotiate for fair pay, better working conditions
28
How is collectevism seen through Revolutionary socialism
- rev socialists support collectevism, and that all means of production should be collectively owned
- each individual should contribute according to their abilities, and receive according to their needs, seen as essential mechanism to abolish class struggle
- individuals like Luxembourg believed it needed to be a collective effort to hold strikes and have worker solidarity, essential tools in overthrowing the capitalism system (collective effort)
- EVOLUTIONARY SOCIALISTS AGREE
29
How is collectevism seen through social demoracy
- Belive in pursuing collectevism, within capitalism, as state intervention is crucial for redistribution of wealth and providing comprehensive welfare services.
- their form of collectevism is a pragmatic solution to migrate the social and economic disparities.
- also support nationalisation of key industries, as well as support trade unions
30
How is collectevism viewed by the Third way
- focuses instead on individual opportunity and equality of opportunity, with less of a role for the state in managing the economy for collective welfare
- Blair’s gov for instance reduced role of trade unions, moving towards individual responsibility, as well as continuing privatisation.
- main focus on creating opportunities in a competitive economy
31
What is common humanity
- humans are social creatures with positive tendencies towards co-operation, but human nature can only be understood with referenced to society.
- this believe is pivotal in shaping the possibility and necessity of social change, justifying state intervention to shape society, being a positive, but non-individualist view.
- also an emphasis that human nature is malleable, shaped by society and economy people live in
32
How is common humanity seen in revolutionary socialism
- rev socialists view of human nature is inflicted deeply by common humanity, arguing capitalism distorts the natural and positive tendencies of human nature, as its twisted into individual profit
- Luxembourg also emphasised how capitalism divides workers and communities
- therefore rev socialists argue true common humanity is a county where there is cooperation communal living, which can only flourish under communism
33
How is common humanity seen by social democrats
- share belief of the positive nature of humans, but realising this within society differs to rev socialists, not advocating for complete abolition of capitalism, but focus on reorganising the system, by Keynesian economics, mixed economy, social welfare etc, seen as essential for allowing positive aspects of human nature to flourish, even within a capitalist framework
34
How is common humanity seen by the third way
- maintain a positive view on human nature, recognising capacity for socislibioiyy and communal responsibility. Emphasis on individualism, and allowing people to reach their potential through a market economy.
- Don’t blame capitalism as the problem, instead advocate for a balence, and also doesn’t see need for a radical overhaul of economy and society to shape human nature
35
What is equality
- arguably most important aspect. State should pursue equality as economic inequality is unfair, undermining collectevism and cooperation
- advocate for redistributive policies and that society can be greatly improved through state action to address inequality
- economic equality is seen as essential for fostering collectevism and cooperation, also to remove class divisions, and to make society harmonious, with people working together for common good
- want equality also in property (nationalise)
36
How do rev socialists view Equality
- belief in apsolute equality, eradication of alll forms of class divisions, state ownership. Can only be achieved through overthrowing the capitalist system.
- need collective ownership of all means of production, leading towards a communist society with resources and power distributed equitably among all members
37
How do social democrats view Equality
- reject rev socialists view, advocate for equality of opportunity, and equality of outcome by reforming and humanising capitalism
- this can be seen in Anthony Crosslands intro of comprehensive education aiming to level the playing field providing similar quality of education, regardless of socio-economic background
- support equality of outcome, through progressive taxation, where more wealthy contribute more, seen in Wilson’s labour gov in 1970s, top earners tax bracket was 83%
38
How do the Third way view equality
- Reject both revolutionary and social democratic approaches, only supporting the idea of equality of opportunity
- seen with Blair’s gov, top earners tax bracket was just 40% a rejection of equality of outcome
- heavily focused on education to achieve equality of opportunity, paired with a welfare state to provide safety
39
What is social class according to collectevism
- primarily defined by the relationship to the means of production, who owns means of productions and who works for it. Socialists argue class conflict is the driving force of societal change, as a result of the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.
- socialists desire a classless society, through collective ownership of the means of production.
- Marx shows this when he wrote “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs
40
How do revolutionary socialists view social class
- believe there are 2 groups, bourgeoise, proletariat, in which the proletariat are exploited, and as a result leads to unavoidable conflict between the 2 groups
- rev socialists want the proletariat (working class) to be aware they’re being exploited, crucial in rallying a revolution against the bourgeoise, seen in the communist manifesto.
- People like Rosa Luxembourg was key in doing this, through trade unions and political activism, seen in her sparcacist uprising
41
How do the social democrats view social class
- differ slightly from revolutionary socialist, seeing it as a more complex system, reflecting the changes in modern capitalist societies, however they still champion the cause of the proletariat
- Anthony Crossland acknowledges this change in his work ‘The Future of Socialism’, claiming a high proportion of the population enjoy all the luxuries previously considered only accessible to the rich.
- Instead of abolishing class divisions, they want a nor equitable society, doing this through equality of opportunity, also advocate for progressive taxation and welfare, still pursue equality of outcome
42
How does the Third way view social class?
- differ entirely from revolutionary socialists, focus on individual empowerment, creating equality of opportunity irrespective of background
- Giddens suggested that divisions werent based primarily on class, but on age, gender, race etc
- so Giddens aimed to encourage social cohesion, enhancing individual skills and employability
EG: Blair’s ‘working family Tax Credit’ in 1999 provided support, and promoting self reliance
43
How does socialists view workers control
- advocate for transferring control over businesses and economy from bourgeoisie to proletariat, seen as pivotal to remove exploitation of the working class
- also want workers control over the state (common ownership) so it runs in line with needs of working class
- workers control is linked to principle of collectevism, it should all be colllectively owned by workers
44
How do rev socialist view workers control
- complete control over economy and state through revolution, believing the state can’t be reformed through gradual reform, but must be overthrown and restructures to suit needs of proletariat
- revolution is seen as essential to dismantle the capitalist state
45
How do social democrats view workers control
- don’t advocate for complete control by workers, but do support it to an extent, supporting nationalisation of key industries, things vital for public welfare should be nationalised, part of their belief of a mixed economy, with the rest remaining capitalist, seen in Britain in the 60s as private businesses were allowed to operate in sectors less critical to national interests
- Anthony Crossland believed this approach coils achieve equality of opportunity without need to overthrow the capitalist system
46
How do the third way view workers control
- reject it, shift from promoting working class through trade unions to promote individual responsibility, seen as Blair in 90s reduced power of trade unions.
- third way also don’t favour nationalisation, instead favouring privatisation, seen as Blair removed clause IV from the Labour Party constitution, which was committed to nationalisation
47
How are socialists opposed to capitalism
- view capitalism as inherently exploitative, creating an economic gap between upper class and working class and undermines common humanity, natural to human nature.
- believe it fosters a culture of self-interest, and as the root for problems like poverty, inequality and social justice
48
How are revolutionary socialists opposed to capitalism
- see it as root cause of society problems, wanting to overthrow it through revolution as it goes against common humanity and collectevism, needing to it to be replaced by a socialist system of common ownership, moving towards a classless sodiety
49
How to social democrats view capitalism, are they opposed?
- recognise the flaws but seek to manage it to achieve equality and social justice
- Keynesian economics is key to achieve this and maintain full employment, advocating for nationalisation of the key industries, mixed economy where other less critical industries are kept capitalist. Also support equality of outcome with some progressive taxation and welfare, seen in Britain in 70s, Wilson’s labour had a 83% tax bracket on highest earners
50
How do the Third way view capitalism, are they opposed to it at all?
- they accept capitalism, and the free market believing it’s the best way for economic growth
- Giddens Critiques the sodial democrats believe in Keynesian economics as he said it stifled market dynamics. Also don’t support high taxation, Blair maintained 40% tax bracket on top earners
- however still believed the state should play a role in promoting equality of opportunity
51
How do socialists overall agree on role of the state
- should be intervention in economy to promote equality and tackle failures of capitalism
52
How do socialists disagree over role of the state
- extent of workers control of the state
- whether capitalism should be overthrown, or expanded through evolutionary socialism
- how much state intervention there should be, and whether collectevism should be pursued
53
How do socialists agree over the economy
- believe capitalism has flaws, producing inequality and class divisions
- belive it should be restructured to pursue equality
54
How do socialists disagree over the economy
- whether capitalism should be completely eradicated
- disagree over types of equality within the economy, equality of opportunity, equality of outcome
55
How do socialists agree over society
- society should be restructured to pursue economy
- capitalism creates class dicision
56
How do socialist disagree over society
- whether collectivism and workers control should be promoted
- what type of equality there should be, equality of opportunity, equality of outcome, apsolute equality
57
How do socialists agree on human nature
- support for common humanity, human nature isn’t malleable, it’s shaped by political and economic systems in which we live, we’re also cooperative, rational and sociable
58
How do socialists disagree over human nature
- whether common humanity can be achieved in a capitalist system, or if it needs to be eradicated
- extent to which people can progress within capitalism, and whether revolution is necessary to realise innate nature of humanity
