Socialism Flashcards
(109 cards)
1
Q
Where does socialism originate from?
A
- Grew from the enlightenment.
- 18th century thinkers like Jean Jacques Rousseau observes that ‘disputes arise concerning private property’.
- Growth of industrialisation in the 18th and 19th century led to a more widespread criticism of private property.
2
Q
What are the differing socialists views on human nature?
A
- optimistic
- fraternal
- rational
- communal
- malleable.
3
Q
What is the optimistic view of human nature?
A
- Socialism grew from the enlightenment movement and hence takes a positive view of human nature.
Beatrice Webb: “A better tomorrow is conceivable, achievable and probable”.
- Some of the earliest socialist were depicted as utopian socialists.
4
Q
Utopian Socialism:
A
- Refers to the earliest forms of socialism, one based on a vision of the perfect human experience.
- For Karl Marx its utopian character had an absence of any clear method for bringing socialism into fruition.
5
Q
What is the fraternal view on human nature?
A
- Socialists see human nature as fraternal and comradely, naturally inclined towards generosity and concern for others.
- Socialists view humans as naturally co-operative and collaborative.
Rosa Luxemburg: “Our instinct is not to win but to share”.
-Giddens made a similar comment about humans co-operative instincts.
6
Q
In what way does Anthony Giddens view human nature as co-operative?
A
- According to middens - even the highest earners in a capitalist economy could be rationally persuaded that their own success should finance greater help for the less fortunate.
eg by paying greater taxes.
7
Q
What is the rational view of human nature?
A
- Socialists believe that we can act both reasonably and collectively.
- For Webb and Crossland the crucial advantage enjoyed by human beings was their capacity to collectible plan progress.
- For Webb ‘the great flaw’ in liberalism was laissez-faire capitalism.
- Webb believed that an enlightened state bureaucracy - driven by highly educate people - could gradually but inevitably lead to an ever improving life.
8
Q
What is the communal view of human nature?
A
- Socialists argue that we naturally seek to be part of a community.
Beatrice Webb - “We are not lone wolves… we forever seek the company of the pack”. - Notion that people are communal rather than individualistic is echoed by Marx who argues that the final stage of human development involved voluntary communities where everyone would be accommodate according to their ‘needs’ rather than their individual abilities.
- Marx argues that when capitalism is destroyed people will realise that selfishness was a symptom of “false consciousness”.
9
Q
What is the malleable view of human nature?
A
- Socialists see human nature as changeable.
- Has enabled certain socialist thinkers to excuse many of humanities current defects.
- Marx and Engles in the communist manifesto argue that human nature has been “contaminated” by forces beyond the control of individuals.
- This was echoed in Giddens’ approach to crime - argued that Tony Blair should not just be “tough on crime”, “but tough on the causes of crime”.
10
Q
What are the differing socialist view of society?
A
- Existential.
-Collectivist. - Class focussed.
- Egalitarian.
11
Q
What is the existential view of society?
A
- Society is thought to be existentially significant to the human condition.
- Crosland - “We cannot separate who we are from the sort of society we have”.
- Socialists believe that traditional societies often damage both the potential and attitude of their individual members.
- However because people are malleable - society therefore can be improved and the prospects for individuals will be improved.
12
Q
What is the collectivist view of society?
A
- Socialists believe that society is at its best when it stresses collectivism.
- Individuals are at their most effective when they act as a unit.
- Promote the view that individual interests must always be secondary to the interests of society collectively.
13
Q
What is the class-focussed view of society?
A
- To improve society, socialists believe we must acknowledge the importance of social class.
- For Marx and Engulfs there was difference between the “bourgeois” and the”proletariat”.
- Traditionally socialists are working class.
- Socialism emphasises that we are defined by class differences and class conflict.
14
Q
What is the egalitarian view of society?
A
- Socialists claim for society to have real equality of opportunity it must also have greater equality of outcome.
- Gap between the rich and the poorest narrowed - a society that is egalitarian.
- Crossland asserted that the main aim of Socialists was to “narrow the gap between society’s weaker and stronger classes:
Beatrice Webb: “The humble should be made mightier and the mighty made humbler”.
15
Q
What are the differing socialist views of the economy?
A
- Fundamental
- Redistributive
- Ambivalent about capitalism
- Interventionist.
16
Q
What is the fundamental view of the economy?
A
- Marx argues that it is impossible to break the connections between politics, philosophy and economics.
- According to Mar for any historic change to occur, it must be accompanied by radical economic reform.
17
Q
What is the redistributive view of the economy?
A
- Socialists argue that the creation of an egalitarian society must involve the redistribution of wealth and resources.
- Reflect in the Labour Party Manifesto 1974 (endorsed by Anthony Crossland - then a senior Labour MP). - promised a “fundamental and irreversible shift of wealth and power in favour of working people and their families”.
18
Q
What is the ambivalent view of capitalism?
A
For Orthodox Socialists like Marx, Luxembourg and Webb capitalism is wholly incompatible with socialist economics as capitalism always generates huge disparities in wealth.
Revisionist socialists like Crossland and Giddens believe that effective capitalism is the precondition of an effective socialist economic policy - creates wealth that socialist governments can redistribute equally.
Crosland - “it is difficult to redistribute wealth if there is no wealth to redistribute”.
19
Q
What is the interventionist view of the economy?
A
- Socialists reject laissiez faire capitalism and minimalist governments.
- Their aim of creating a more equal society leads to a more ‘hands on’ government.
- Socialist would have supported the Equal Pay Act (1970) ( introduced by the Labour gov that included Anthony Crossland) - ensured equal pay for men and women doing similar work.
20
Q
What are the differing socialists view of the state?
A
- Rejection of anarchism.
- Rejection of medieval states.
- An enlarged state.
21
Q
Why do socialists reject anarchism?
A
- Socialists believe that equality and progress are impossible without a strong state.
- Karl Marx does argue that the state will eventually ‘wither away’ and lead to a utopian anarchist society - communism.
22
Q
Why do socialists reject medieval states?
A
- Socialists agree that the pre-enlightenment state is incompatible with an egalitarian society.
- reject a monarchical state, the theocratic state and the aristocratic state.
23
Q
What are the differing socialist views on the role that the state should have in the economy?
A
- Orthodox socialists like Webb and revisionist socialists like Crosland disagree over whether the state should own the economy.
- For socialists the only effective form of collectivism is that embodied by the state.
24
Q
What are the key elements of the statist collectivism envisioned by socialists?
A
- Progressive taxation where the state finances the cost of collectivists society - one where the rich pay more than the poor.
- Greater public spending - the states tax yield is used to improve the condition of society’s less fortunate.
- Universal public services -state uses its tax yield to ensure that public services are accessible to all.
25
What are the two forms of socialism?
- Revolutionary socialism - advocated by Marx, Engles and Luxembourg.
-Reformist/Evolutionary socialism - Webb, Crosland and Giddens.
26
What is revolutionary socialism?
- Argues that for socialism to be achieved, both the current political and economic systems must be quickly and entirely dismantled.
27
What is reformist/evolutionary socialism?
- Claims that socialism is best achieved gradually. peacefully and within the structures of the existing state.
28
What is Marx's critique of communism?
- Found in his communist manifesto.
- Marxist ideology is distinguished by its fierce criticism of capitalism - the economic system that emerged from the industrial revolution.
- Marx wanted the communal ownership of economic resources and the principles of "each according to his own needs".
29
Key works of Marx and Engles:
- The Communist Manifesto (1848).
- Das Kapital (1867).
30
What is Marx and Engles view on human nature?
- Argue that humans are social and economic beings.
- Argue that human nature has been corrupted by capitalism - encouraged selfishness, ruthlessness and greed.
- Argued that capitalism had instilled people with 'false consciousness'.
31
What were Marx and Engles view on class?
- First socialist thinkers to highlight the centrality of social class.
- Argued that capitalism created to conflicting social classes ( the proletariat and the bourgeois).
- Argued that the toxic nature capitalism leads to instability and the fall of capitalism was "historically inevitable".
- Capitalism sows the "seeds of its own destruction" by nurturing resentful class consciousness among workers/
32
What was Marx and Engles view of the state?
- Argue that the state would always serve the interest of whichever class controlled the economy.
- Call the liberal state a "committee" for the ruling capitalist class.
- This argument would inspire revolutionary socialists like Ralph Miliband and Tariq Ali.
33
False consciousness:
- A term denoting Marx's view that capitalism fosters in its workers a distorted outlook, at odds with their real interests.
34
What are the key features of Marx and Engles critique?
- Noted that capitalism led to two classes - bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
- The bourgeois controlled the means of production in a capitalist economy - despite being in the minority - gives them power to inflict exploitation and oppression upon the proletariat.
- Marx argues that both the bourgeoise and proletariat are corrupted by capitalism and suffer from false consciousness.
- Marx and Engles also argue that capitalism was an inefficient mode of production - failed to provide sufficient material resources for the majority - it also had a cyclical tendency to stagnate - leading to unemployment and wage cuts.
35
Why do Marx and Engles believe that revolution is inevitable?
- Believe that capitalism "sows the seeds for its own destruction" - Marx envisioned that each economic crisis under capitalism would get worse - workers would become more more class consciousness and realise they had "nothing to loose but the chains".
- Marx and Engles dismissed the idea that capitalism could be improved - they argue that the liberal state in a capitalist economy was merely a committee "managing the everyday affairs of the bourgeoisie".
- Also believe that revolution was "historically inevitable". Marx and Engles build on Hegel's ideas and state that each historical stage was a class of economic ideas and economic interests.
36
Dialectic:
Linked to the philosopher Hegel - refers to the clash of ideas that take place in each stage of history.
37
Historical Materialism:
- Builds on the philosophy of Hegel.
- Refers to the view of Marx and Engles that the history of human development can be divided into various economic episodes.
- Each episode was defined by a certain method of economic profusion and was brought to a close by a clash between those who defended and those who challenged the existing means of production.
38
How do socialist ideas transform into communist ideas?
- Following the revolution Marx and Engles envisage the dictatorship of the proletariat emerging.
- Its function would be to oversee the replacement of private ownership with common ownership and oversee the emergency og a new culture stressing fraternity and solidarity.
- Once this had been complete they argued that the socialist state would be repugnant and 'wither away'l leaving to the utopian society of communism.
39
What are the key features of marxism-leninism (orthodox communism) ?
- Pre-emptive revolution.
- Vanguardism.
-The Luxembourg version.
40
Where did Marxism-Leninism come from?
- Comes from Lenin - leader of the Bolshevik party.
-Key figure on the Russian revolution.
41
What is pre-emptive revolution?
- Lenin upheld Lenin's critique of capitalism and the belief that revolution and socialism were inevitable.
- Disagreed with Marx on the view that revolution could only occur in societies where socialism was advanced.
- Lenin argues that pre-industrial societies should use revolutions to pre-empt the advancement of capitalism so that industrialisation could happen under a socialist state.
- Lenin's key work, What is to be done?, explains this.
42
What is vanguardism?
- At the centre of marxism-leninism was the 'vanguard' or a revolutionary part that would overthrow the existing state.
- the vanguard would offset false consciousness and 're-educate' the masses on the basics of socialism.
- Post revolution, the vanguard would for the dictatorship of the proletariat.
- Whilst governing the communist part would embody democratic centralism - one-party state.
43
Examples of marxist-leninism in practice:
- Mao's China 1949
- Cuba, North Korea, Vietnam.
44
Rosa Luxemburg context:
- Develops the ideas of Karl Marx.
- Member of the German Social Democratic Party.
- Reform or Revolution (1900) - Luxemburg accepts Marx's argument that capitalism promoted exploitation and conflicted with humanity's naturally fraternal interests.
45
Where does Luxemburg disagree with Marx?
- Agrees with Marx that evolutionary socialism was impossible.
- Agrees with Lenin's rejection of Marx's historicism and his view that for revolution to occur capitalism would have to reach and advanced stage.
46
How does Luxemburg disagree with Lenin?
- Rejected Lenin's claim that revolutions could only occur through planning.
- Envisions a spontaneous revolution.
- Mass strike action would develop spontaneously and eventually ignite a wider revolutionary movement that would overthrow the capitalist states.
- Rejects Marxist-Leninist dictatorship of the proletariat.
47
Examples of Luxemburgs socialism in practice:
- In 1918 she helped to found the German communist party.
- Leninists saw this as a betrayal of revolutionary socialism.
- Luxemburg however argued that this would make it easier for socialist parties to convey their socialist messages.
48
In what 3 ways did Luxemburg challenge marxist Leninism?
- Rejects Lenin's vanguard approach to revolution - she saw it as a new for of elitism - wanted revolution to occur spontaneously.
- Luxemburg didn't accept the idea that engagement with existing state was pointless - saw existing state election campaigns as a way of nurturing class consciousness - Luxemburg helps to for German Communist parties.
- Disagrees with the dictatorship of the proletariat put forward why Marx and the one-party state promoted by Lenin - advocates for a new type of democratic state.
49
Evidence of revolutionary socialists in the 21st century:
- Socialist Workers Party in the UK - label themselves as a revolutionary socialist party.
50
Evolutionary socialism:
- Linked to Webb, Crosland and Giddens.
- Believes that socialism can be achieved within the existing political system.
51
Which thinker supports Democratic Socialism?
- Beatrice Webb and socialist groups like the Fabian Society.
52
What is Democratic socialism?
- Challenge the marxist idea of the displacement of capitalism and revolution.
- Advocate for an evolutionary form of socialism within the structure of existing society.
- Became influential in the 21st century.
53
Examples of evolutionary socialism:
- 1945-51 Labour government led by Clement Attlee.
54
What is Webb best associated with?
"inevitability of gradualism".
55
What are the 4 principles that Webbs socialism is defined by?
- Capitalism was a corrupting force in society.
- Neither conservative paternalism nor philanthropy were sustainable solutions to the problems of poverty.
- Poverty and inequality were most likely to be eliminated by trade unionism and state intercession.
- Effective reform was gradual, not revolutionary.
56
Example of Webb enforcing her form of socialism:
- Become an active member of the fabian society.
- Involved in drafting class IV of Labour's 1918 constitution.
- Webb was the lead author of the Minority Report of the Royal Commission pm poor laws - much of its contents anticipated the Bevaridge report.
57
What was the renewed critique of capitalism?
- Webb still rejected capitalism as a long term economic principle.
- Argued that an economy based on private ownership was unpredictable and 'at odds with the equitable distribution of wealth'.
- Webb implements her view of the economy in clause IV of the labour constitution - talks about the "common ownership" of the means of production - this meant state ownership of the economy.
58
What historical changes led to the formation of Webbs evolutionary form of socialism?
- Webb believed that the state in a capitalist society was more versatile and responsive than Marx envisioned.
- eg the franchise had been significantly expanded since 1897.
- By 1900 roughly half of the UKs male population was enfranchised.
- This in turn had led to the improved conditions of society poorest - Factory Act 1874.
59
What are the steps to Webbs inevitability of gradualism?
- Democratic socialists would campaign peacefully and gradually to gain the trust of voters - voters would then realise they had no vested interests in capitalism.
- Voters inevitability elect socialist governments.
- Gradual replacement of private ownership with state ownership.
- Benefits of socialism become clear, making the reversal of socialism unlikely.
60
Examples of parties that promote democratic socialist principles:
- 2/3s of the Labour MPs elected in 1945 had connection to the Fabian society.
- Attlee implemented a series of socialist changes nationalisation of coal iron and steel.
Jeremy Corby argued for further nationalisation in 2017 and 2019.
61
Argument that socialism does require revolutionary change:
- Marx and Engles argue that the pre-socialist states reflects bourgeoisie interests therefore wouldn't allow the promotion of socialist values - also believe socialism was historically inevitable.
- Lenin thought that revolution was inevitable to pre-empt and pre-empt the horrors of capitalism.
- Luxemburg argues that revolution would develop inevitable and spontaneuosly from trade union agitation.
62
Argument that socialism does not require revolutionary change:
- Democratic socialists like Webb believe in the inevitability of gradualness.
- Later democratic socialists like Tony Benn believe that the existing state required reform rather than abolition.
- Social Democrats like Crosland and Giddens believed that a Welfare state and mixed economy could preserve the existing political system.
- Giddens also believed that the existing states structures could be reformed - devolution.
63
What is social democracy?
- Rejects revolution - believes the existing state can promote the socialist agenda.
- Social democrats like Crosland don't support the ultimate removal of capitalism.
- Social democrats see capitalism as the indispensable ally of socialist governments.
64
Revisionist socialism:
- Type of evolutionary socialism that argues that equality can be achieved without the destruction of capitalism.
- Has been associated with the social democracy of Anthony Crosland and the Third Way of Anthony Giddens.
65
What was Bernstein's legacy?
- Bernstein noted that by the end of the 19th century there had been a steady advancement od the working class - contradiction to Marx.
- Argues that if overseen by socialist governments - capitalist economies could lead to greater improvements to the workers condition.
- Supported by Crosland.
66
Anthony Crosland Background:
- senior Labour Party politician.
- Served as Cabinet Minister during the government's of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Wrote The Future of Socialism (1956).
67
What was Crosland's view on common ownership?
- Felt that common ownership had gone far enough - argued that public ownership and never been the aim of socialism.
- Crosland argued that the main of socialism was equality.
68
Why does Crosland support Keynesian Economics?
- Crosland thought that Keynesian principles had allowed advanced societies to afford permanent economic growth and employment.
- The constant growth means that these societies can afford the expansion of the welfare state which in turn would diminish inequality.
69
Why does Crosland argue for a mixed economy?
- Crosland's mixed economy would include private ownership and a small number of entities being owned by the state.
- Argues that this sort of economy had been achieved by the Labour government 1945-51.
70
How did Crosland suggest the inequalities regarding education would be addressed?
- Argues for the implementation of "comprehensive schools" a "one size fits all education"/
- Crossland believed that these schools would break down class divisions.
- Crosland pursed these ideas whilst he was secretary of education.
71
How does Crosland argue that social class has changed?
- Argues that a new grouping had emerged in modern capitalism - a managerial class. (eg supervisors and technocrats.)
- Argues that this made Marx's appraisal of class less relevant - the managerial class provided a bridge between control and ownership.
72
What was Croslands views of Attlee's mixed economy?
- states that the "pragmatic blend between public and private ownership" made further nationalisation unnecessary and unpopular.
- Therefore argues that Clause 4 was obsolete and should be repealed - rejected by the Labour party.
73
Why does Crosland support Keynesian economics?
- Its capacity to ensure constant economic growth allowed a constant growth in tax revenue and allowed a steady growth of public spending - this led to an expansion of public services and the redistribution of wealth.
74
Argument that socialism MUST involve the abolition of private property and capitalism:
- Socialisms core values include equality - private property leads to inequality.
- Socialists core values include fraternity and cooperation - private property promotes individualism.
- Marx, Engles and Luxemburg though that private property lead to exploitation.
- Later democratic socialists like Tony Benn argued that social democracy - an attempt to achieve socialism without curtailing private ownership had failed.
75
Argument that social MUST NOT involve the abolition of private property and socialism:
- Crosland argued that the debate over public/private ownership nearly concerned the means of socialism not the ends.
- Revisionists such as Bernstein argued that working-class conditions had been improved by capitalism.
- Third Way revisionists like Giddens argued that a thriving Neo-liberal capitalist economy would provide the state with a growing tax yield - would finance extra public spending.
76
What was Giddens' Third Way Socialism:
- Said to have influence the 'New Labour' government of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
- updated version of revisionist socialism.
77
What are the similarities between Giddens Third Way and the Socialism promoted by Crosland?
- Both advocate for a non-revolutionary socialism.
- Both sought to harness capitalism for greater equality.
- Both agreed that the future of socialism included greater public spending.
- Both believed that Cluase IV of the Labour constitution was obsolete.
78
What changes in the late 20th century led to third way socialism?
- Collapse of the soviet union.
- Globalisation made it more difficulty for national governments to manage their economies.
- Impact of New Right governments of Regan and Thatcher raised doubts about socialism's relevance.
- decline of the working class - Giddens labelled it as embourgeoisement - 'By 1955 there wore more people in the UK with mortgage accounts than trade union membership cards".
79
What points about capitalism did Giddens make in his book 'Beyond Left and Right' (1994)?
- Highlights the corrosive effects of capitalism and individualism.
- He also states that capitalism and individualism were irreversible and that any project towards greater equality would have to take that into account.
80
What points did Gidden's make in his book 'The Third Way - The Renewal of Social Democracy'?
- Came out during the first year of the UK's New Labour government.
- Argues that social democracy requires the recognition that free-market capitalism had the ability to empower people.
- Also argues that capitalism functions best when there is a strong sense of social cohesion.
- Argues for triangulation - reconciling Neo-liberals view of the economy to social democracy's view of society.
81
Why does Gidden's argue that post-industrial capitalism was liberating?
- States that in capitalism people are free to 'self-actualise'.
'the individualisation of society might result in less individualism'.
82
What was Gidden's triangulation?
- Combining of the social values of social democracy and the Neo-liberal economics of the New Right.
- This would produce the 'Third Way' which offered a new route to both social justice and economic efficiency.
83
What was Gidden's 'Re-mixed' economy ?
- Extending capitalism and exploiting more opportunities for economic growth.
- Not just about endorsing public ownership but also having a growing role for the private sector.
- For Gidden's 'higher profits, higher earnings and higher tax yields'.
- Seen in Peter Mandelson addressing Silicon Valley executives in 1999 - "we are intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich - as long as they pay there taxes."
84
What emphasis did Gidden's place on cultural equality?
- Gidden's observed that modern society was "more diverse, multi-racial and cosmopolitan".
- New Labour introduced various laws promoting greater racial, gender and sexual equality - Underlined in the Equality Act (2010).
85
Evidence of Third Way socialists being more willing to share power?
- New Labour promoted reforms like devolution for Scotland and Wales.
86
Marx and Engles: Human Nature.
- Human nature was originally fraternal and altruistic.
- Has been contaminated by instilling the "false consciousness" of bourgeois principles.
- would be repaired by revolutionary socialism
87
Marx and Engles: The State.
- The existing liberal-bourgeois state is a tool of the dominant capitalist class.
- It must be destroyed by revolution and replaced by a socialist state. (dictatorship of the proletariat).
88
Marx and Engles: Society.
- Capitalist society is defined by class interests and class conflict.
- Communism will be the perfect end of history.
89
Marx and Engles: The economy.
- Capitalism is corrupt, inefficient and ultimately self destructive - should be replaced by an economy of collective ownership.
90
Luxemburg: Human Nature.
- Argues that it has not been damaged to the extent that Marx alleged.
- Fratenring and altruism still exist within working class communities - but it has been punished by capitalist economics.
91
Luxemburg: The State.
- The existing capitalist state must be destroyed by revolution - but must come from strike action.
- The replacement state should be a genuine democracy - free speech and elections.
92
Luxemburg: Society.
- Capitalist society is class-ridden and morally indefensible.
- Alternative societies however exist with the downtrodden proletarian communities.
93
Luxemburg: The Economy.
- Capitalism is more resilient than Marx allowed - its destruction will require determination and solidarity amongst the proletariat.
94
Beatrice Webb: Human Nature.
- Damage inflicted by capitalism on the human psyche will only be worsened by violent revolution.
- Humanity needs to be guided back gradually to its original, co-operative condition.
95
Beatrice Webb: The State.
If universal suffrage was achieved - then the existing state could be used for a gradual transition to socialism.
96
Beatrice Webb: Society.
Poverty and inequalities of a capitalist society continue to depress human potential whilst fostering regressive competition.
97
Beatrice Webb: The Economy.
A chaotic capitalist economy will be gradually replaced by one which fives workers the full fruits of their labour, based upon common ownership of the means of production.
98
Anthony Crosland: Human Nature.
Human nature has a powerful sense of fairness and an innate objection to huge inequalities of outcome.
99
Anthony Crosland: The state.
Democratic Socialist governments (eg Labour 1945-51) prove that the existing state can be used to effect socialist change.
100
Anthony Crosland: Society.
- Society is increasibky complicated altered by the mergence of new social groupings - meritocratic managers and classless technocrats.
101
Anthony Crosland: The Economy.
- Mixed Economy, underpinned by limited public ownership and Keynesian capitalism - finance the greater public spending necessary for equality.
102
Anthony Giddens: Human Nature.
Human nature has been shaped by changing socio-economic conditions.
- Pro-fairness instinct is still present - but it now competes with a sharpened sense of individual aspiration.
103
Anthony Giddens: The State.
- The existing liberal state should be improved, redistributing and decentralising political power.
104
Anthony Giddens: Society.
- Society has undergone embourgeoisement - egalitarians must harness rather than deny these forces..
105
Anthony Giddens: The Economy.
- A neo-liberal economy propelled by privatisation and deregulation will lead to huge tax yields.
- This will finance increases in public spending which will ensure greater equality of opportunity.
106
What tensions are there within socialism regarding human nature?
- All socialist believe that human nature is malleable and improvable.
- Socialists like Marx believe that human nature is susceptible to which ever economic system it libes under.
-Revisionist like Giddens argue that human nature can prosper under capitalism - but still appreciates the core socialist beliefs - like co-operation and fraternity.
107
What tensions are there within socialism over society?
- All socialisers see our social environment as crucial in determining our personalities.
- Revolutionary socialists like Mars see existing society as contrary to socialist values.
- Evolutionary socialists like Webb society can be gradually improved.
- Crosland and Giddens also argue that society can be steadily improved and that these changes can happen alongside capitalism.
108
What tensions are there within socialism over the state?
- Socialists believe that the state is important in promoting socialist values.
- Marx and Luxemburg believe with the existing capitalist state should be destroyed by a revolution.
- Marx envisions it being replaced with a 'dictatorship of the proletariat' - Luxemburg wants a democratic state.
- Evolutionary socialists like Webb and Crosland believe that the existing state can be used to steer society towards socialist values.
109
What are the tensions within socialism over the economy?
- Revolutionary socialists like Marx and Luxemburg and evolutionary socialists like Webb believe that socialism is incompatible with capitalism.
- Revisionist marxist believe that socialism is achievable within a socialist state.
- Crosland believed that the economy should be mixed - public and private ownership.
- Third Way revisionists like Giddens believe that the economy should be remixed in a way that leaves it more privatised - claiming that this will lead to greater tax yield.
