Socialism Flashcards
(92 cards)
1
Q
What are the two main branches of socialism
A
Revolutionary socialism
Evolutionary socialism
2
Q
Define capitalism
A
An economic system organised by the market and based on free enterprise and competition between individuals and companies
3
Q
Define revolutionary socialism
A
Socialist values cannot coexist with capitalism and therefore a revolution is inevitable to create a communist society
Derived from Marx and Engels
Also known as marxism
4
Q
What are the 3 types of socialism
A
Revolutionary socialism
Social democracy
The third way
5
Q
What is democratic socialism
A
Ideas of Beatrice Webb
Socialism gradually achieved within exisiting parliamentary structure
Mass nationalisation
Socialist elite would remodel the state for benefit of all
6
Q
What is social democracy
A
Influenced by Anthony Crosland
Emerged after the 2WW
Wanted to achieve aims through exisiting democratic means
Focused on a mixed economy and increased state spending on public services to facilitate social justice
7
Q
What is the third way
A
Emerged in 1980s /1990s
Based on ideas of anthony giddens
Blend of neo-liberal and social democratic ideas
Championed by Tony Blair and Bill Clinton
8
Q
What is evolutionary socialism
A
Socialism to be achieved gradually within the pre existing parliamentary structure
Would emerge in a gradual piecemeal fashion via the state
9
Q
What is social justice
A
A moral justification for redistributing wealth so as to limit inequality and provide equality of opportunity for everyone
10
Q
What is common ownership
A
Opposite of free market capitalist economics
All members of society can benefit from state ownership and participate in the running and organisation of the means of production
11
Q
Main points of marxism
A
Humans are social beings whose natural state of fraternity has been perverted by greed of captialism
Social class central to perception of human history
Captialist stage sees ruling class (bourgeoisie) take surplus value of the workers (proletariat) thus exploiting and oppressing them
Economic conflict is catalyst for historical and social development within society - historical materialism
12
Q
Define marxism
A
An ideological and revolutionary theory of socialism that attempts to explain history scientifically in terms of the inevitable demism of capitalsm and its replacement by communism
13
Q
Define faternity
A
The belief that humans should regard each other as siblings rather than rivals
Relationships should be based not on competition but generosity and solidarity
14
Q
Define cooperation
A
Individuals working collectively to achieve mutual benefit
15
Q
Define historical materialism
A
A theory which argues that economic factors are the driving force for historical or social development.
16
Q
Define communism
A
A society that is communally organised with an economy built on the elimination of private property in favour of common ownership.
Goods are owned by everyone and available to all as needed
17
Q
Define class conciousness
A
The moment when the proletariat realises that capitalism is exploiting them
18
Q
Marx & Engles first to argue 5 things
A
positive human nature had been distorted by capitalism
Critique capitalist economics
Place social class at the heart of socialist ideas
state was not neutral but a puppet of ruling class
need for and inevitability of revolution
19
Q
Was Marx a details man
A
No
Neither he nor engels explained in any detail how nationlisation, production, labour or economic planning would work in practice
20
Q
Key ideas of Rosa Luxemburg
A
Post marxist or Neo Marxist
Evolutionary socialism and revisionism are not possible - because capitalism is based on an economic relationship of exploitation
Predicted that without some form of democracy the party would become a dictatorship
Struggle by the proletariat for reform and democracy - this creates the class conciousness necessary for the overthrough of the capitalist society and state
21
Q
Key work of rosa luxemburg
A
The accumulation of capital 1913
22
Q
Key works of Marx
A
The communist manifesto 1848
Das Kapital 1867
23
Q
Strands of revisionist socialism
A
Democratic socialism (late 19C to end of 2WW)
Social democracy
The third way
24
Q
Define democratic socialism
A
Socialist state achieve via the ballot box NOT revolution
Advocated by Fabian Society led by Beatrice Webb
Hugely influential to the UK Labour party & German Social Democratic Party
25
Key ideas of Beatrice Webb
The inevitablility of gradualness - gradual parliamentary strategy
The expansion of the state - NOT overthrow of the state
Are both key to delivering socialism
26
Key work of Beatrice Webb
The minority report of the poor law commission
27
Where did ideas from Webb’s key work (the minority report of the poor law commission) reappear
Beveridge Report 1942
| Which in turn was used by the labour governments of 1945-51 in their creation of welfare state
28
Key quote for rosa luxemburg
Without general elections …….life dies in every institution
29
Key quote for Marx
Accumulation of wealth at one pole is at the same time accumulation of misery…at the opposite pole
30
Why does capitalism lead to exploitation
Exploitation occurs inevitably to maximise profits of owners who deprive their workers of their surplus value. Capitalism’s need to expand is insatiable and it will seek out new markets to dominate.
31
What was marx and engels materialist theory
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Materialist theory claims that economic and class factors explain historical and social development.
History is a class struggle
The economic system influences all other aspects of society
```
32
What did Marx and Engels mean by the dictatorship of the proletariat
This meant a transitional phase where the state would control the means of production and distribution
33
What did Marx and Engels think communism was and what did they mean by the term “the end of history”
```
Communism was a society free of internal contradictions, private property and class conflict
History was a process of class struggle so the arrival of a communist socity meant the end of history
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34
How did Luxemburg adapt the ideas of Marx & Engels
Disagreed with historical materialism
| She theorised that communism could happen in less economically developed societies
35
What is social democracy and when did it start
Revision of democratic socialism
| Germany and UK after 2WW not in 19C despite the fact revolutionary socialists did use the term
36
Key features of social democracy
Capitalism should be reformed not replaced
State should distribute wealth created by free market across society more fairly by
- mixed economy of nationalised and private companies
- state intervention via Keynesian regulation of economy
- the welfare state
37
Key social democracy thinker
Anthony Crosland a labour MP and cabinet minsiter in 1960s
38
Anthony Crosland’s key text
The future of socialism
39
Key ideas of Anthony Crosland
Capitalism does not drive social change BUT if managed can deliver social justice and equality
State managed capitalism
- including mixed economy, full employment and universal social benefits
- keynesian economics
40
Key quotes of Anthony Crosland
Marx had little or nothing to offer the contemporary socialist
In britain, equality of opportunity and social mobility are not enough
41
What was crosland’s most famous attempt to ensure equality
Creation of comprehensive system to break down segregation of grammer schools
Did not abolish grammer schools as this would have been too difficult politically
42
What is The third way
Vision of social democracy during 1990s
| Sometimes known as neo revisionism
43
Key The third way thinker
Anthony Giddens
| A sociologist
44
Key The third way text
The Third Way by Anthony Giddens
45
Anthony Giddens quote
Every left of centre party that gets into power is doomed to disappoint
46
Main ideas of Anthony giddens
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The rejection of state intervention - acceptance of free market in economy
- equality of opportunity
- personal responsibility and community over class conflict
The role of the state is social investment in infrastructure and eduction NOT economic and social
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47
How do Giddens ideas differ from one nation conservatism
Both are reactions against external changes and their consequences
BUT
Giddens ideas are an aspirational blueprint to improve society
One nationa conservatism distrustful of such principles preferring pragmatic incremental change drawn from empiricism
48
What are the 5 core principles of socialism
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Common humanity
Collectivisim
Equality
Social class
Workers control
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49
Define common humanity
One of 5 principles of socialism
Humans are social creatures who want to cooperate rather than compete with each other
That they are naturally inclined to work together for best results for society as a whole
Leading to understanding and mutual support - or common humanity
50
Rank the various styles of socialism in their hostility to capitalism (most to least)
Revolutionary socialism (marxism)
Democratic socialism
Social democracy
The third way
51
What is collectivism
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One of 5 core principles of socialism
All branches of socialism agree that individuals
- prefer to work together
- work more effectively in groups
Ie collectives
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52
What does collectivism mean to a marxist (revolutionary socialist)
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Want workforce to own all industry collecticvely
This would end class conflict
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53
What does collectivism mean to an evolutionary socialist like Webb
Cooperative federalism
| Businesses owned by customers who have say in their running and get dividends from profits
54
What does collectivism mean to social democrats or the third way
Suspicious of collectivism suggested by marx and webb
Feel that it threatens individual freedom - third way influenced by neo liberal views
Thinkers offer different & weaker collectivist solutions
55
Compare social democratic and third way solutions to industrial relations
Social - workers belong to TUs that have stong bargaining rights to stop exploitation
Third way - unions exist to preserve fair practice in workplace BUT wages are market driven
56
Compare social democratic and third way solutions to healthcare
Social - a national health service provides universal healthcare according to need. This is paid for from general taxation
Third way - universal healthcare is unsustainable and we have to acknowledge market forces eg prescription charges/private healthcare
57
Compare social democratic and third way solutions to Education
Social - widespread comprehensive education available to all - extending equality of opportunity
Third way - extension of equality of opportuntity facilitated by increased spending and emphasis on life long learning. BUT tuition fees for UNI
58
Compare social democratic and third way solutions to key industries
Social - Key utilities such as gas, water, telecoms, rail & coal brought under govt control and operate in collective interest.
Private industries exempt from collectivisation
Third Way - no support for renationalisation
59
What is equality
One of 5 core principles of socialism
Social equality is fundamental goal of socialism
It reinforces cooperation and collectivism - shared goal in common good
Capitalist society leads to economic inequality - socialism wants to rebalance this
BUT number of different equalities an socialists do not share same view of them
60
Define absolute equality
All individuals should recieve the same rewards as long as the contributions they make to society are the best of their ability
61
How does the view on absolute equality differ between different socialist groups
Marx etc believed this was the ideal - but only achievable after a communist revolution
Too extreme for the other branches of socialism
62
Define equality of outcome
Economic rewards should be fairer and more evenly distributed to give individuals similar outcomes
63
How does the view on equality of outcome differ between different socialist groups
Favoured by democratic (evolutionary) socialists like webb. Due to the gradual change the difference in rewards would be far less than in a free market economy thus reducing inequality
Rejected by revolutionary socialists for not going far enough
Rejected by social democrats / the third way supporters as it would act as a disincentive to wealth creators
64
Define equality of opportunity
Individuals are entitled to equal chances to make the best of their abilities
65
How does the view on equality of opportunity differ between different socialist groups
Supported by democrats/supporters of the third way
There shoudl be no barriers to success for those with talent/skills and ability
Both Crosland and Giddens emphasied education and targeting the most vulnerable
Revolutionary socialists dismiss equality of opportunity as impossible to achieve without communist revolution
66
Define equality of welfare
Everyone is entitled to a minimum standard of living, enabled by state welfare
67
How does the view on equality of welfare differ between different socialist groups
Social democracy’s Crosland was more enthusiastic exponent, favouring progressive taxation and universal welfare
Third way’s giddens and evolutionary socialist Webb favoured a welfare state but cautious about creating dependency culture
Revolutionary socialist argue that equality of welfare can only be achieved via communist revolution
68
What is meant by Social Class
One of the 5 core principles of socialism
Believe that capitalism creates/reinforces harmful social class divisions
Socialists disagree how to rectify the problem
69
How do the different socialist groups view social class
Marx - capitalists parasites - must be overthrown in revolution
Webb - capitalists parasites but change system slowly. Universal nationalisation, progressive taxation and welfare state would narrow divisions
Crosland - fairer distribution of wealth and equality so each individual would thrive.
Giddens revised Croslands analysis - investment in education key basis of redistribution of possibilities
70
What is meant by Workers Control
One of 5 key principles of socialism
All branches agree that if unchecked then free market with exploit the worker
Marx etc advocate workers control
Webb, Crosland & Giddens do not envisage the worker seizing direct control of economy
71
How do the different branches of socialism view workers control
Marx etc imagined time when exploited workers took control for a short time between revolution and classless communist society.
Webb did not think workers capable of holding such responsibility
Social democrats thought idea outdated and are comfortable with a mixed economy
Third way thinkers viewed idea as impractical for same reasons as social dems - blair amended clause IV of labour party constitution dropping commitment to common ownership/ideological claims for worker control
72
Amongst socialists Which areas of agreement are there regarding human nature
All have an optimistic view of human nature
Common humanity, rational social creatures who naturally gravitate towards cooperation
All agree that nature is not fixed but easily shaped by environment
None believe that all individuals have identical abilities or needs
73
Amongst socialists Which areas of disagreement are there regarding human nature
Marx & Engels - individuals deformed by capitalism. Only solution a revolution which would usher in communal society based on common ownerhsip
Luxemburg - agreed capitalism v bad for human nature but disagreed that there would be no need for democracy after the revolution. Said that there would need to be checks on power (anticipating dictatorship of communist party)
Evolutionary socialists argue character of the state can be altered so it is positive
Webb thought human nature could be guided to common ownership by gradual reform of the state
Crosland thought common ownership would infringe on individual freedoms and he focused on inequality of the class system
Giddens disagreed with webb for same reasons as crosland but he argued for “ communitarianism” (joining free market with focus of community)
Giddens critical of how social democracy creates a dependency culture.
74
Areas of agreement about the state
All agree that the state plays a key role in both society and economy
They disagree about the size of the state
75
Areas of disagreement about the state
Revolutionary socialists see state as tool of bourgeoisie so can not be reformed and only revolution will ensure a communist society
Luxemberg disagreed saying capitalist state should be replaced by socialist state but with democratic elections and free speech
Evolutionary socialists say revolution not necessary to achieve state reform
Webb thought state could be reformed via parliamentary democracy leading to socialist reform
Social democrats argue that the state should play a role in managing the economy using Keynesian economics
Crosland believed in mixed economy
Giddens believed free market more efficient and successful than state managed capitalism. Also to avoid dependency culture he argued for a smaller welfare state - “a hand up not a hand out”. Education v v important
76
In which areas about society do socialists agree
That society should be based on equality
Society must respond to negative effects of capitalism and be remodelled to embrace greater equality and cooperation(disagreement on how and result!)
Society directly affects indivuals - working conditions / unequal distribution of wealth can have a harmful effect on human nature
77
What are the areas of disagreement between socialists regarding society
Marx & Engels infected society to such an extent that revolution is the only option
Webb - society should be reformed by evolutionary means and run on collectivist lines as revolutions are “chaotic, inefficient & counterproductive”
Crosland thought inequality/class division should be minimised by reform of capitalism so society can share benefits of economic growth
Crosland ideas for society focused on equality of opportunity
Giddens argued for a narrower focus of equality of opportunity than social democracy concentrating on social investment in infrastructure and education (new labour replaced crosland inspired comprehensives with academys
Giddens thought Societal community is fundamental to offset negative effects of free market globalisation
78
In which areas do socialists agree on the economy
All socialists agree that capitalism can be exploitative and lead to inequality
79
What is a revolutionary socialists view of economics
Revolutionary socialists believe capitalism will be overthrown and replaced by common ownership
80
How high did income tax get and when
83% in 1974
81
How did Giddens influence New Labour with regards to tax
They reduced business rates and kept income tax at 40% until 2010 when it rose to 50% due to the financial crisis
82
What is a evolutionary socialists view of economics
Evolutionary socialists agree capitalism is broken but that the state can deliver reform without revolution
83
What is a democratic socialists view of economics
Webb argued that economy would be managed by highly trained elite of administrators rather than the workers themselves
Webb thought state would ensure a national minimum for all in relation to wages and quality of life
84
What is a social democrats view of economics
Social democrats like Crosland argued for mixed economy rather than increased public ownership with keynesian economics to ensure growth
85
How does a supporter of “the third way” view economics
Giddens (3rd way) argued that progressive taxation inhibits wealth creation. Against keynesianism.
Wants a regulated economy reinforcing workers rights but believes in free market as being more efficient
Advocates equality of welfare but to a lesser extent ie students should contribute to cost of university
86
Suggest three ways in which socialist promote collectivism
Cooperative communities of utopian socialists
Collective ownership of revolutionary socialists as espoused by Marx, Engels and Luxenburg
State managed capitalism and nationalisation as espoused by social democracy and key thinker Crosland
87
Why do some socialists prefer revolution to reform
Marx and Engels and Luxembourg thought capitalism too powerful and inherently selfish to be reformed.
It had to be eradicated by revolution
88
Why did Marx and Engels see social class as such an important central concept
Social class underpins three crucial elements of their theory - historical materialism, dialectical change and development of revolutionary conciousness
89
Why did Luxembourg combine revolution and democracy in her ideas
Luxembourg realised the dangers of tyranny if the members of a society (even after a revolution) did not have the vote or freedom of speech.
She was sceptical of Marx and Engels theory of historical materialism and their claim that society could be free of the internal contradictions that would be necessary for democracy to be obsolete
90
Why did Webb see the role of the state as crucial to her ideas
Webb thought that only a skilled elite could deliver a socialist society and she had little faith in the workers being able to organise this themselves. It would therefore require central state planning of production, distribution and exchange to achieve a true socialist society.
Top down view of a socialist state
91
What did Crosland mean by state managed capitalism
Reforming its negative aspects so that it benefits the many and not the few
Would involve a mixed economy and state pursuing Keynesian economic policy which would ensure full employment, low inflationary dnd economic growth
Proceeds of capitalism would be shared via social justice-
redistribute wealth via the welfare system
92
Why did Giddens argue against state managed capitalism
Attempts to manage capitalism were inefficient and ineffective
Economy thrived under free market and laissez faire policies NOT Keynesian intervention
Redistribution of wealth view social democracy’s welfare state led to dependency culture
State should increase equality of opportunity to decrease inequalities of outcome and offset the negative effects of the free market
