Socialism Flashcards
(17 cards)
What did Marx & Engels argue about capitalism?
Capitalism is inherently exploitative. It must be overthrown and replaced with common ownership and a classless society.
What did Rosa Luxemburg believe about gradual economic reform?
She rejected reform, insisting that capitalism must be overthrown, not managed or adapted.
How did Beatrice Webb differ from revolutionary socialists?
Favoured gradual parliamentary change but still supported state ownership of industries to reduce inequality.
How do Crosland and Giddens differ in their approach to managing capitalism?
Crosland: Supported a mixed economy with progressive taxation and welfare.
Giddens: Accepted market capitalism, emphasised opportunity and investment over ownership.
What was Crosland’s view on public ownership?
Ownership doesn’t matter as much as redistribution of wealth to ensure equality.
What was Giddens’ Third Way approach to the economy?
The state should invest in opportunity (e.g. education), while embracing market efficiency and enterprise culture.
How do revolutionary socialists view society?
As defined by class conflict — particularly between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
What did Marx and Engels argue about class?
Class struggle is the driving force of history, and all institutions uphold class exploitation under capitalism.
What was Webb’s approach to class-based inequality?
Supported state ownership and welfare to address economic disadvantage, but focused on technocratic reform through expertise and institutions.
How does Crosland challenge class-based views of society?
Believed class boundaries were blurring; society was becoming more meritocratic with new middle classes.
What did Giddens argue about class in modern society?
Inequality stems from identity and opportunity, not just class — he focused on education, technology, and community support to empower individuals.
How do key socialist thinkers show unity?
Marx & Engels condemned capitalism as exploitative.
Webb supported state intervention to reduce inequality.
Crosland supported redistribution for equality of opportunity.
Giddens promoted social justice through investment in public services.
How do socialists differ on achieving socialism?
Revolutionaries (e.g. Marx, Engels, Luxemburg) support revolution.
Evolutionaries (e.g. Webb) advocate gradualism via parliamentary reform.
Luxemburg rejected reform as a betrayal of socialism.
How do socialists differ on state ownership and control of the economy?
Marx & Engels called for common ownership.
Webb supported state ownership via technocratic planning.
Crosland moved to a mixed economy, focusing on taxation and welfare.
Giddens rejected ownership entirely, favouring free markets with social investment.
What did Giddens say about markets?
Markets are the most efficient way to generate wealth; the state should focus on investment in education and infrastructure instead.
How does the Third Way abandon traditional views of class?
Marx and Engels saw politics as shaped by class conflict.
The Third Way moves beyond class, promoting individual aspiration and social mobility.
What did Giddens mean by “mutual obligations”?
Citizens should be empowered but also expected to contribute to society — a balance of rights and responsibilities.
