evolutionary socialism: the third way

Question 1

who was a third way socialist?

Answer 1

-Anthony Giddens, English sociologist and member of the House of Lords.
-Born 1938!
-Revisionist socialist who developed the Third Way.
-“Beyond Left and Right” (1994), highlights the corrosive effects of capitalism on communities, and “The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy”, written during the 1997 election

Question 2

what did he believe?

Answer 2

-Thought that free market capitalism could enrich and empower society alongside capitalism and individualism is irreversible. Thought socialism could harness the benefits of the free market while neutralising the effects on fraternity.
-Marry neo-liberal ideas of economic empowerment with social democracy’s view of society.
-Moved away from Crosland’s idea of social democracy, instead advocating for greater equality of opportunity through utilising free-market wealth to fund infrastructure & public services. Social inclusiveness would provide wider opportunity for the disadvantaged.
-Capitalism functions best when there is social cohesion. A ‘triangulation’ was required to make centre-left politics relevant.
-He accepted that post-industrial capitalism helped liberate some, but they would also find it harder to develop within the increasingly amorphus society.

Question 3

key quotes?

Answer 3

-“Old Conservatism, at least in its more principled forms, is, as has been aptly said, the ‘other God that failed’ alongside Communism and radical socialism.”
-“The individualisation of society might result in less individualism.”