Socialism Flashcards
(11 cards)
Class consciousness
Workers first become conscious of sharing common complaints against capitalism (a class ‘in itself’) and then develop an awareness of themselves as forming a social class, the proletariat (a class ‘for itself’), opposed to the bourgeoisie.
Common ownership
The means of production are placed in the hands of the workers, so that they can control their working lives and the economy as a whole.
Communism
A classless society, with no state and the common ownership of wealth. Production would be for necessary consumption and use, and to satisfy need rather than profit, freeing humans creative energies and allowing full freedom for all.
Democratic socialists
Those who believe that socialism should be pursued by democratic means, where the electorate is persuaded of the moral superiority of socialism in a state with representative institutions.
Dictatorship of the proletariat
The transitional phase from capitalism to communism, where the workers’ state protects the gains of the revolution and replaces private ownership with common ownership.
Evolutionary/reformist socialism
Socialism delivered by the ballot box and legal, piecemeal reforms. It rejects the revolutionary road to socialism.
Fraternity
The uniting of all humanity in bonds of affection on the basis of common humanity.
Historical materialism
Marx’s view of historical change is based on the idea that changes in the way humans work together to produce things then change the way society is organised and the attitude of people in that society.
Keynesian economics
The use of taxation and spending policies to create full employment and continuous economic growth.
Social democrats
Those who believe in philosophical and practical attempts to blend democracy, capitalism and social justice.
Social equality
An equal distribution of wealth, income and status within society.
