Political Parties: Labour Party Ideology and Policy Flashcards
What is socialism?
A political ideology advocating greater equality and the redistribution of wealth. Socialists are suspicious of capitalism and favour greater gov intervention, both in economic and social policy
What two strands can socialism be subdivided into?
- Revisionist (or reformist) socialism - aims to improve capitalism
- revolutionary (or fundamentalist) socialism - aims to abolish capitalism and bring all property into common ownership
What is social democracy?
A political ideology that accepts the basic premise of capitalism, whilst advocating a more equitable distribution of wealth along the lines favoured by socialists
What is “Old Labour”?
Labour prior to the modernisation programme begun by Kinnock in 1983 and completed by Blair. It refers to the party’s historic commitment to socialism and its links with socialist societies, trade unions and the old working class
What is “New Labour”?
Labour post-modernisation. Involved less powerful role for unions and rebranding to appeal to middle class voters. Characterised by the concept of triangulation
What is triangulation?
The process of melding together core Labour principles and values, such as the party’s commitment to greater social justice, with the lessons learnt from Thatcherism
What is the Third Way?
An ideological position said to exist between conventional conservatism and mainstream capitalism.
Differences between Old and New Labour?
Old Labour: - Dogmatic - Working class - Interventionist - Public sector provision - Social justice - Universal welfare New Labour: - Pragmatic - Catch-all - Market economy - Public-private partnerships - Social inclusion - Targeted welfare
What is social justice?
The goal of greater equality of outcome, as opposed to equality of opportunity alone. Achieved through progressive taxation and other forms of wealth redistribution
