Socialism Essay Plans

Question 1

Do fundamentalist and revisionist socialist agree on equality?

Question 2

Intro -

Answer 2

• for socialists, this is a key goal in which wealth and income are equality distributed
• all socialists are aware that social environment is detrimental in shaping a personality, so if equality improves so will mankind
• fundamentalist socialists (Marx, Engels, Luxembourg, Webb): Abosolute equality starting with the abolition of capitalism
• revisionists (Crosland, Gidenns): equality can be achieved with capitalism and taxation, certain inequalities are essential for redistribution
  MAIN DISAGREEMENT- how to achieve equality

Question 3

Areas of Agreement on Equality:

Answer 3

• believe that formal equality under the constitutional state is too weak as wealth disparities from b to p is too much
• all are in favour of equality of opportunity to produce a meritocracy
• matches the overall optimistic view on human nature that is socialism: ‘a better tomorrow is conceivable, achievable and probably’ - WEBB 1890
• collectivist ideas on society

Question 4

Disagreements on equality, Fundamentalists-

Answer 4

• believe that revolutionary measures are the only way of achieving real equality
• “the proletarians have nothing to loose but their chains” (Marx)
• agree with absolute equality, that all should gain the same in society as long as they contribute to it
• equality of outcome is most essential, to remove the abuses of the free market
• Marx and his theory historicism, the false class consciousness of the proletariat and disagreements on who owns the means of production causes inequality
• Webb and the inevitability of gradualism, same aim different means to a socialist society with the aim of eradicating inequality in society through parliamentary means
• Luxembourg help in the Labour Party constitution, revolution can secure for the workers ‘the full fruits of their labour’

Question 5

Disagreements on equality, revisionists:

Answer 5

• absolute equality can reduce ambition and wealth in society, Crosland “how can we redistribute wealth if there is no wealth to redistribute”
• capitalism is the best and most realistic method of eradicating inequality through government intervention “i am intensely relaxed about you getting filthy stinking rich, as long as you pay your taxes” - Peter Madeleines
• Gideon’s and triangulation, socialist equality with a neoliberal economy

Question 6

Conclusion -

Answer 6

• an aspect of society that all socialists wish to eradicate
• means of achieving equality and egalitarianism are an area of key disagreement
• Marxist and fundamentalists believe that revolution and the construction of a socialist state is the only way to achieve equality (absolute!)
• Revisionists view equality as an ever present theme of modern society, and that we should be working int he capitalist society to be rid of it through a redistributive, interventionist socialist government.