Socialism

Question 1

Revolutionary Socialism’s views on collectivism.

Answer 1

-Want society to transform into one of complete collectivism: means of production to workers, eliminating private property and hence a complete overhaul of capitalism.
-Society in which each contributes according to ability, an receives according to need. (communism and Marx)
-Collective action by the proletariat is seen as the only way of overthrowing capitalist society.
-Luxemburg stresses importance of strikes and mass action.

Question 2

Social democrats’ views on collectivism

Answer 2

-collectivism with capitalism: collectivism via state interference in economy in order to address instabilities of unchecked capitalism.
-Mixed economy with the nationalisation of key industries which would be in the interests of society as a whole- eg. Attlee nationalsied coal, steel, railways and healthcare.

Question 3

The Third Way’s views on collectivism

Answer 3

-Increased focus on individual opportunity and equality of opportunity. Less emphasis on state role in the economy and rather Giddens agued for equipping people with the means to succeed in a competitive economy.
-Less support for TUs- for example massive decrease in role under Blair- departure from the principle of empowering movers through unified movements (Luxemburg)
-More privatisation eg. PFIs under Blair.

Question 4

Common Humanity in Revolutionary Socialism.

Answer 4

-Hugely influences view on human nature: humans as inherently cooperative and altruistic; capitalism distorts this since it conditions people to be selfish and profit-driven, leading to a ‘false consciousness’ in which the proletariat is led to believe capitalism is natural, despite it being against their self-interest.
-Luxemburg: Capitalism divides communities and warps common humanity by putting people against each other.

Question 5

Common Humanity in Social Democracy

Answer 5

-Belief in common humanity and intrinsic positive nature of humans, but differ in their approach to realising this within society: want to focus on common humanity within a capitalist system.
-Negative impacts of capitalism like income inequality, exploitation, social division can be mitigated through a keynesian mixed economy and extensive social welfare.
-This will allow cooperation, altruism, community to flourish within capitalism.

Question 6

Common Humanity in The Third Way

Answer 6

-Positive view on human nature but emphaisies individualism; Giddens: humans are rational and should conduct free will.
-Capitalism is not the fundamental issue; balancing a free market economy and social welfare will lead cooperation to thrive.
-Overhaul to capitalism is unnecessary in shaping human nature; smaller measures can help to promote human potential.