socialism normal Flashcards
(134 cards)
1
Q
what is collectivism?
A
it maintains that humans can achieve their political, social and economic objectives more
effectively through collective action than through individual eff ort. Collectivism also implies that
society can only be transformed by collective endeavour – for socialists, it offers a way of achieving
an ideal society
it is one of the most important ideas underpinning socialist ideology, informing other socialist values and pricples such as equality, welfare and common ownership.
2
Q
what do socialist believe in collectivism?
A
From a moral perspective, the interests of the group – such as a society or a community – should
take priority over individual self-interest. Collective eff ort encourages social unity and a sense of
social responsibility towards others.
* In practical economic terms, collectivism utilises the capabilities of the whole of society
efficiently, avoiding the wastefulness and limited impact of competitive individual eff ort
inherent in the capitalist economy
3
Q
why do they emphasize this?
A
it is rooted in the view of human nature that does argue that all humans are social animals as such they prefer to live in social groups rather than alone.
-humans have the capacity for collective action and can work together to achieve their goals in this sense they are tied by the bonds of fraternity.
4
Q
what do socialist say about human nature?
A
-it is moulded by social conditions the experiences and circumstances of a person life. according to the socialist view people can be only defined or understood in terms of the social groups that they belong to.
-socialist do say that membership of a community or society does offer humans true freedom or fulfilment.
5
Q
how do they collectivism should or could be in place in society?
A
-socialist do call for a form of state intervention and state planning to promote collectivist goals and ensure the distribution of good and services is not left to free market forces.
-pursuit of collectivism is commonly seen to involve the growth of the state, expansion of the state services and responsibilities and an increase in state spending.
6
Q
what do marxists say about how collectivism should be endorsed ?
A
Marxists and state socialists advocate collective action through a centralised state that organises
all (or nearly all) production and distribution. For example, in the USSR after 1929, most industries
were nationalised and all agricultural land was collectivised in order to transform a backward
state into a modern industrial society, using complete state control of the economy to bring about
change. After the Second World War, communist regimes in China and eastern Europe pursued
similar policies of state-controlled collectivism.
7
Q
what do moderate socialist say about collectivism?
A
moderate socialists who accept some degree of free-market capitalism in the economy have
pursued collectivism in a more limited way. For instance, the 1945–51 Labour government in the
UK nationalised key industries – such as coal, electricity, and iron and steel – but left much of the
economy in private hands
8
Q
why is collectivism cristed?
A
Because collectivism emphasises group action and common interests, it suppresses human
individuality and diversity.
* As collectivist objectives can only really be advanced through the agency of the state, it leads to
the growth of arbitrary state power and the erosion of individual freedoms.
9
Q
why have socialist moved away from collectivism?
A
- there is a growing perception that collectivism in developed countries such as the uk was producing a dependency culture and a sluggish uncompetitive economic sector.
-end of the cold war in 1989 and the collapse of the ussr in 199 reinforced this view as it did suffer a ideological defeat.
10
Q
what do socialist say about common humanity?
A
The socialist belief in a common humanity is also based on assumptions about human nature.
Socialists see humans as social creatures with a tendency towards co-operation, sociability and
rationality; humans naturally prefer to co-operate with, rather than compete against, each other.
-they argue that humans are naturally inclined to work together for the common good and that co-operative effort
produces the best results for society
11
Q
what do socialist say about what people benefit from common humanity?
A
-people who co operate rather than compete with each other do form connection based on understanding, respect and mutual support.
-they channel the capabilities of the whole group or community rather than just the potential of a individual.
12
Q
what do they say happens if the opposite to common humanity happens (competition)?
A
- socialist do view competition as wasteful, promotes social divisions and generates conflict, hostility and resentment.
-they set that capitalist economic competition does set one person against each other a process that does encourage people to reject or disregard their common humanity rather than accept it
-it does encourage humans to be self centred and belligerent.
13
Q
what had the emphasis on common humanity led socialist to conclude?
A
-human motivation can be driven not just by material considerations but also by a moral view of people role in society.
-people should work hard to improve their society as they have a sense of responsibility.
- a moral incentive to improve society does rest on the acceptance of common humanity.
14
Q
what doo socilaist say about the economy and the state in relation to rewards and common humanity>
A
-they accept the need for at least some material rewards to motivate people but they also stress it should be linked to moral incentive.
-co operative effort to boost economic growth not only increases living standards but also does provide funds to finance welfare measures to help the vulnerable and poor.
-the belief in common humanity has led socialist to support and interventionist role for the state.
-Marxist argue that the agency of the state can be used to control economic production and distribution for the benefit of everyone.
-social democrats advocate a more limited form of welfare and redistribution programmes to help those in need.
15
Q
why do socialist justify equality?
A
it does ensure fairness:
economic inequality is apparently due to the inequalities in a capitalist society. some socialist do therefore reject equality of opportunity as such a concept does justifies the unequal treatment of people on the ground of innate ability.
-this argument reflect a view that does emphasis people who are born with a potential to be equal.
-other socialist say inequality in the form of differential rewards in inevitable to some extent.
-these socialist do endorse an egalitarian approach to ensure that people are treated less unequally in terms of material rewards and living conditions.
-without this commitment to egalitarianism formal political and legal equality is comprised as the latter does nothing to tackle the inequalities inherent in capitalism.
16
Q
why do socialist justify equality?
A
it does reinforce collectivism, cooperation and solidarity within society and the economy
-humans are more likely to cooperate if they share the same economic conditions.
-e.g. Sweden has high levels of social equality as it is based on extensive wealth distribution and social welfare.
-social inequality does encourage conflict and instability.
-societies inequalities are unstable as they are divided into the have and have nots
-if not addressed the section of society would revolt for example shown in Russia in 1917 and in Mexico in 1910-20.
17
Q
why do socialist justify equality?
A
social equality is a means of satisfying basic human needs.
-it is essential to human fulfilment
-socialist do call for equal distribution of wealth and resources to promote human fulfilment and realise human potential.
-in terms of the economy they say a free market cannot allocate wealth and resources fairly.
-they say redistribution can only provide for everyone, irrespective of social position.
18
Q
what do Marxist say about equality?
A
Marxists, demand absolute equality for everyone in terms of material rewards
and life opportunities. Such equality can be guaranteed only by the controlled distribution of
goods and services, the abolition of private property and the introduction of common ownership
of all means of production. Under this system, the state exercises common ownership and
supervises the distribution of resources to prevent the return of social and economic inequalities.
19
Q
what do social democrats say about equality?
A
By contrast, social democrats call for more limited state intervention to achieve relative equality
within society via welfare measures, government spending and progressive taxation. Their primary
aim is to remove absolute poverty and, if this can be achieved, then a certain level of inequality can
be tolerated. For social democrats, the state does not own or control all the means of production
– its role is to adjust distribution to narrow differences in wealth and life chances. In essence, social
democrats seek to reform rather than abolish capitalism and for this reason maintain that material
incentives continue to play an important role in human motivation. As a result, the social-democrat
position on social equality is flexible enough to embrace equality of opportunity.
20
Q
why do socialist endorse common ownerhsip?
A
As wealth is created by the communal endeavour of humans, it should be owned collectively, not
by individuals.
* Private property encourages materialism and fosters the false belief that the achievement of
personal wealth will bring fulfilment.
* Private property generates social conflict between ‘have’ and ‘have-not’ groups, such as owners
and workers
21
Q
what do moderate socialist say about common ownership?
A
More moderate socialists, including
the Attlee Labour government in the UK (1945–51), have opted for limited common ownership by
nationalising only key strategic industries, including the coal mines, the railways and steel-making,
leaving much of the economy in private hands
22
Q
what disagreements are there among socialist within equality of outcome?
A
Equality of outcome maintains that rewards should be based
on an individual’s contribution. Since this will vary from person
to person some inequality will persist but dierences in
rewards will not be as marked as in the free-market system.
Equality of outcome tends to be supported by fundamentalist
socialists (who reject capitalism) as a way of removing the free
market’s influence but opposed by social democrats and the
Third Way as a form of artificial social and economic
‘levelling’.
23
Q
what disagreements are there among socialist about equality of oppounity?
A
Equality of opportunity is based on the principle that everyone
should have an equal chance to make the best of their
abilities. There should be a ‘level playing field’ with no artificial
barriers to progress for those with ability, talent and a positive
attitude to hard work. This approach is supported by social
democrats and the Third Way on meritocratic grounds but
rejected by Marxists because it does not seek to remove
capitalism and its structural inequalities.
24
Q
what do socialist disagree about equality of welfare?
A
Equality of welfare accepts that human society is inevitably
unequal but also maintains that every individual is entitled to
have an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state
welfare provision. Equality of welfare is endorsed by social
democrats and the Third Way because it provides a vital safety
net for the most vulnerable in society. Marxists reject it
because this welfare provision does not seek to remove
capitalism and its structural inequalities.
25
what do socialist say about absolute equality?
Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will
receive the same rewards, providing they make a contribution
to society. Over time, each person will make a broadly equal
contribution. This approach is supported by Marxists as the
basis of a communist society but rejected by social democrats
and the Third Way as impractical and potentially destabilising
26
why do people reject social equlaity?
t is unjust – in treating everybody the same irrespective of their attributes, it does not reward
people according to their skills and abilities
* it lowers human ambition, motivation and initiative by removing or downgrading material
incentives, leading to economic underperformance
* it restricts the liberties of the individual because it can only be implemented through
extensive state intervention and control
* it stifles diversity and individuality, encouraging a ‘colourless’ social uniformity.
27
what do socialist say about social class>
the existence of social classes explains the most important divides in society, rather
than the actions of individuals or the essence of human nature itself
28
what do Marxist say about social class?
or example, Marxists assert that conflict between ruling and revolutionary classes is the
driving force behind such change in society.
29
why do socialist believe so fundamentally in socialism?
socialism focus on social class i based on ideological commitment to represent the interest of the working class.
-for socialist the working class does bring about a socialist transformation of society and the economy.
30
what do Marxist say about social class?
-Marxist have traditionally emphasises the fundamental role of class politics based on the economic division between capital and labour.
-they maintain that conflict is inevitable between the owners of productive wealth and those who have to sell their labour to survive.
-under capitalism they argue the state does become an instrument to class rule, with the bourgeiouse using insitions and agencies to maintain their dominance.
-class conflict according to Marxism grow in intensity and does divide society into have and have nots.
- they argue it leads to a proletarian revolution that does overthrow the state and bourgeoise .
-they say that the state will only go away once workers gains have been consolidated and there is an equal society.
31
what do social democrats say about social class?
- they argue that socialist objective can be achieved through targeted state intervention to narrow class discntions.
-the state does not repsent an instrument to oppressive class rule but does provide the welfare and redistribution schemes by which class inequalities could be reduced.
-they advocate class consensus and peaceful social improvements.
32
why is class not seen as being as important
in recent decades moderate socialist have adapted their programmes to appeal to non manual workers.
-they did attempt to redefine their brand of progressive politics in terms of classless concerns such as green and feminist issues.
-they do place less emphasis on redress of working class grievances.
33
what is workers control?
-it does refer to the complete or partial ownership of an economic enterprise by those employed there.
-it has influenced different strands of socialist thought including Marxism and syndicalism.
-it covers a range of schemes that go beyond the right to be consulted by seeking to establish real decision making power for workers in their particular industries or occupations.
34
how is worker control justified?
-it promotes collective effort and the pursuit of group interests.
-some socialist have argued can maximise human potential by combating alienation at the workplace and undermining the capitalist view of labour as a Meere commodity.
-has significant implication for the economy, they say it is a key factor in the production process seeming as workers are a key factor in production they should have the right to control the mean of production.
-it does aim to either dilute or replace capitalist control for the economy. for example french sysndaclists in the late 19th and early 20th centauries called for the overthrow of capitalism and the introduction of workers control of the economy based on the trade unions and proletarian political isntions.
35
why is workers control justified?
-can be seen as an important step towards socialist society. at one spectrum moderate workers control in a capitalist society does provide a method of introufding limited reform to the social and economic structure.
-they also say that industrial self management by workers living under socialism reinforced the idea that a socialist society should raise the condition and status of the working class.
36
what implication does workers control have for the economy?
-some socialist maintain that workers are the key factor in the production process they should have the right to the means of production
-it does aim to either dilute or replace capitalist control of the economy. french syndalists for example in the late 19th and early 20th centauries called for the overthrow of capitalism and the introduction of workers control of the economy based on the trade unions and proletarian political institions.
37
what do people who endorse workers control say about the role played by the state in a socialist transformation?
Syndicalists are hostile towards the state, regarding it as an
instrument of capitalist oppression and an inefficient bureaucratic structure incapable of initiating
meaningful reform.
-they call for the state body to be forcibly replaced with a form of workers control based on federation of trade union bodies.
ritish guild socialism, a pro-workers’
control movement that emerged in the early 20th century, was internally divided over the role
of the state.
38
what do people who endorse workers control say about the role played by the state in a socialist transformation?
Although all guild socialists argued for state ownership of industry in the pursuit of
workers’ control, some called for the state to remain essentially in its existing form, whereas others
called for the state to be turned into a federal body composed of workers’ guilds, consumers’
organisations and local government bodies.
39
what can workers control be seen as an important step towards
- a socialist society
- at one end of the spectrum moderate workers control in a capitalist society provides a method of introducing limited reforms to the social and economic structure. at the other
-ndustrial self-management by workers
living under state socialism (such as the workers’ councils operating in Yugoslavia in the 1950s
and 1960s) reinforces the idea that a socialist society should raise the condition and status of the
working class.
40
what are the critsims of workers control?
Critics reject such schemes on the grounds that they are utopian and fail to acknowledge that
business needs risk-takers and investors as well as workers. According to this view, workers often
lack the entrepreneurial attributes necessary for success. In taking over the management functions
of appointments, promotions and dismissals, manual employees may adversely affect the
economic viability of their workplace.
41
what is revolutionary socialism?
Revolutionary socialism rejects the use of democratic methods in the pursuit of a socialist society. alot did believe in this as they argued that
The early development of industrialisation and capitalism brought poverty, exploitation and
unemployment, which was expected to radicalise the working classes who were at the sharp end
of these changes.
As the workers were not part of the ‘political nation’, they had little ability to influence policies in
government systems usually dominated by the landed aristocracy or bourgeoisie.
42
what is revolutionary socialism based on?
Socialism through revolution is also based on the conviction that the state is a ‘bourgeois’
instrument of class oppression, defending capitalist interests against those of the working classes.
43
what do revolutionary socialist say will happen if a revolution does not take place?
The primacy of the ruling class is reinforced by key institutions and agencies of the state, such as
the parliamentary system, the mass media and high finance. Piecemeal or gradual change will
not lead to a genuinely socialist society because the ruling class and bourgeois values are too
firmly entrenched. For example, capitalists are adept at infiltrating political parties, representative
assemblies and labour organisations in order to blunt their radicalism.
44
what do revolutionary socialists argue for?
revolutionary socialism calls for a total transformation of society, so the existing
state has to be completely uprooted and replaced with new revolutionary institutions. Such a
fundamental change often leads to violence; the ruling class is unlikely to give up its power without
a fight. Thus revolutionary socialists in Russia (1918–21), China (1946–49) and Mexico (1910–20) had
to fight bloody civil wars to establish their regimes.
45
why do revolutionary socialist say that a revolution should take place?
revolutionary socialists maintain that any attempt to ‘humanise’ capitalism, a system
based on inequality and exploitation, would completely undermine the principles and objectives
of socialism.
46
where is revolutionary socialism evident in the world?
After the Second World War, revolutionary socialism was adopted by many national liberation
movements in Africa, Asia and South America, including the Chinese communists led by Mao, the
Viet Cong directed by Hoàng Văn Thái and the Cuban insurgents under Castro. These movements
concluded that such a strategy was the only way to remove the colonial powers and their domestic
allies and dismantle outdated social and economic systems. The intention was to bring about rapid
modernisation to enable these societies to catch up with the more prosperous and technologically
advanced industrial countries.
47
what do revolutionary says happens when implemented?
The pursuit of the ‘revolutionary road’ has usually resulted in fundamentalist socialist regimes, such
as those established in the Soviet Union, the People’s Republic of China and Cambodia under the
Khmer Rouge. In all three cases, successful insurrection destroyed the old order, which permitted
the creation of a new socialist society based on state control of the economy. Revolutionary strategy
also encouraged the establishment of rigid hierarchical parties with dominant leaders and the use
of ruthless dictatorial political methods to remove all opposition and introduce totalitarianism.
48
how is revolutionary socialism seen as longer being as relevant?
the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s delivered a hugely damaging blow to
revolutionary socialism as communism collapsed in the Soviet Union and the satellite states of the
Eastern bloc
49
what is social democracy and when did it emerge ?
Social democracy emerged after 1945 as western socialist parties embraced electoral politics and
switched to the more limited aim of reforming, rather than abolishing, capitalism.
Ideologically, social democracy attempts to reconcile free-market capitalism with state
intervention,
50
why do social democrats believe that an attempt to reconcile capitalism with state intervention is best?
Although the capitalist system is a dependable creator of wealth, the way it distributes wealth
produces inequality and poverty.
* State intervention in economic and social affairs can protect the public and remedy the
weaknesses of capitalism.
* Peaceful and constitutional methods should be used to bring about social change.
51
what is social democracy core values?
Social democracy is chiefly concerned with the just or fair distribution of wealth in society; its
defining core value is social justice. This form of socialism rests on a moral, rather than a Marxist,
critique of capitalism: socialism is morally superior to capitalism. Christian principles have also informed the social-democratic position, notably the Christian socialist tradition in the UK and
‘liberation theology’ in Latin America. Social democracy can encompass a variety of perspectives,
including the acceptance of private-sector productivity and personal responsibility.
52
what did Eduard Bernstein say?
Eduard Bernstein published a revisionist study, Evolutionary Socialism (1899), which argued
that capitalism was not developing along Marxist lines. Instead of succumbing to economic crises and
promoting ever-deepening class conflict, the capitalist system was proving resilient and adaptable.
Bernstein argued, for example, that joint stock companies had widened the ownership of wealth
through shareholders, rather than concentrating it in the hands of fewer and fewer capitalists.
Bernstein concluded that capitalism was not a brutally exploitative system and it could be
reformed peacefully through electoral politics. He advocated state ownership of key industries, and
legal safeguards and welfare measures to protect the workers
53
where is social democracy evident in the world?
During the 20th century, western socialist parties increasingly recognised the dynamism and
productivity of the market economy, abandoned their commitment to economic planning and
pursued a revisionist policy of reforming capitalism. The Swedish Social Democratic Labour Party
and the West German Social Democratic Party made this shift officially in the 1930s and 1950s
respectively. The British Labour Party remained formally committed to common ownership
until 1995, but post-war Labour governments never subjected the British economy to extensive
state control.
54
what do social democrats put forward?
* Support for a mixed economy of both state and privately owned enterprises, with only key
strategic industries nationalised, as under the Attlee Labour government of 1945–51.
* Keynesianism as a means of regulating the capitalist economy and maintaining full employment.
* Reform of capitalism chiefly through the welfare state, which would redistribute wealth to tackle
social inequality and the problem of poverty.
55
what did Anthony Crossland say in his case of put forward social democracy?
-in his book the future of socialism Crosland maintained that a new skilled governing
class of salaried managers, technocrats and officials had now taken over the control of industry
from the old capitalist class.
-The pursuit of profit was only one of its objectives because this new
technical and administrative elite also had wider concerns, such as the maintenance of good
employer-worker relations and the protection of the business’s reputation.
-Crosland
asserted, capitalism was no longer a system of harsh class oppression, and extensive state
direction and control was now irrelevant.
56
what did Crossland say in his argument for social justice?
Crosland emphasised the need for social justice (rather than common ownership) by
stressing the redistributive role of the welfare state funded by progressive taxation. Under such
a system, Crosland argued, economic growth would sustain social democracy. An expanding
economy would provide the taxation revenue to pay for welfare spending and improve the living
standards of the more affluent, who were expected to finance this social expenditure.
57
where was social democracy evident in the world?
-early post 1945 decades were the heyday of social democracy, but it did depend on two conflicting features.
-by viewing market economics as the only secure way to create wealth social democrats did effectively conceded that capitalism could be reformed but not removed.
-social democracy at the same time did retain its socialist credentials by calling for social justice and distributive equality- the reduction of poverty and some redistribution of wealth to assist poorer and social groups.
58
what did social democracy attempt to deliver and where was it evident ?
social democracy was a balancing act that attempted to deliver both economic efficiency
and egalitarianism. This central tension within social democracy was concealed during the early
post-war boom-decades when economic growth, high employment and low inflation delivered
rising living standards for most people and the tax revenues to expand welfare programmes.
59
where was the downward trend in social democracy evident?
By the 1970s and 1980s, however, a sharp economic downturn exposed this central tension within
social democracy. With unemployment mounting, the demand for welfare services increased as
the tax-based funding for such social support declined (due to fewer people having a job and
company profits falling).
-social democrats did face a dilemma should they reduce inflation and taxes to stimulate the economy or prioritise the funding of welfare to protect the lower paid and unemployed.
-impact of the shit to a post industrial service based economy and the contradiction of the working classes due to deindustrialisation reduced social democracy's traditional electoral base.
60
when was social democracy seen as being bad?
he collapse of the Soviet communist bloc (1989–91) inflicted further damage on
social democracy. Popular rejection of the Soviet system also discredited other forms of socialism,
including social democracy, which looked to the state to deliver economic and social reform.
61
what do socilaist say about equality?
it is undoubtedly the defining goal of socialism.
-socialist do favour a more equal distribution of wealth and income within society. this is in sharp contrast to liberals and to some extent conservatives who favour equality of oppournity.
-social democrats such as Anthony Crossland assert that all of us have an equal worth regardless of social background.
- amore even distribution of wealth via progressive taxation a welfare state based upon universal benefits and a system of comprehensive education all help to achieve a more equal society. This moderate form of socialism does seek to empower the individual from the harm of the capitalist system.
62
what do sociliast say about equality?
-those further to the left believe that the state should play a more prominent role within the management of the economy
-only a significant amount of state involvement can we truly achieve a egalitarian society.
-democratic socialist reject the social democratic argument that the forces of capitalism can be tamed and therefore humanised. capitalism is simply incompatible with the socialist goal of equality. The only shared belief between social democrats and democrats socialist concern their support for the parliamentary path.
63
what is social justice?
It does involve those policies and measures designed to ensure a more equal distribution of life chances within a society. The term tends to be associated with those on the left of the political spectrum, including social liberals and socialist.
-it does also consist of various attempts made to address the problem of social exclusion and inequality within society.
-for socialist legal and formal justice is not enough to guarantee equality of opportunity. these things must be accompanied by social justice, involving for example health care and educational accessible to all or a minimum wage for employees.
-a case for social justice does usually lead to the case for collectivism.
64
what do socialist say about social justice?
- in essence socialist do contest that to have equality of oppountiry there must be first be greater equality of outcome in society.
-given that socialism does tress the importance of social class it does mean that socialist do seek a narrowing of the gap between society poorer and richer classes.
-they justify this position as socialist do argue that irrespective of character ability and intelligence an individual born into a lower/ working blue collar background will have fewer oppountites than an individual born into a higher class background.
65
what do socialist say about social justice?
socialist argue that a society which allows inequality of outcome in one generation will be a society that produces inequality of oppourtunitry in the next generation.
-socialist argue that until we have a society where there is greater equality of outcome noble objectives of liberalism and the enlightenment such as self determination and foundational equality will never be realised.
-unlike modern liberals such as john Rawls and paternalistic conservative such as Disraeli socialist do think that it is insufficient just to improve the condition of the poor, socialist claim that unless there is a narrowing of a gap between social classes society will lack fraternity, cooperation and solidarity.
66
what is the economic impact of socialism in cuba?
raul has introduced economic reforms, allowing private enterprise to develop but it is determined to ensure cuba is a socilaist country. socialism has ensured full employment and delivered a health service with one of the highest ratios of doctors to population in the world .
-poverty is widespread due to the us economic sanctions, doctors are forced to have a second job such as taxi drivers
67
what is the political impact of socialism on cuba?
- A health service with one of the highest ratios of doctors to population in the world
- Dependent on other countries
- Corruption
- Guaranteed job = little incentive to work
- Dictatorship
- Lots of censorship
- One party socialist state
- Still state control
- Dominated by the Castro family
- Still socialist, but dismantling of communism from 2006
- Feb 2019 a new constitution 86-85% approval
- socialist constitution
- Sign the UN convention of Human Rights
-
68
what are the positive that are seen from socialism in cuba?
Socialism has ensured full employment and delivered a healthcare service with one of the highest ratios of doctors to population. Socialism is supposedly supported by most of the population. Educational support is also free.
69
what are the negative of socialism in cuba?
Poverty is widespread as a result of US economic sanctions.
The economy and social services are dependent on aid from Venezuela.
The public sector is notoriously corrupt – underpaid workers steal work supplies and sell them on the black market. Cubans have Limited rights, and the economy is stagnant. Exit visas are required to leave, meaning isolation and division of families. Raul Castro (Fidel Castros’s brother) has been passed down power, implying that Cuba is not a democracy.
70
what is the economic impact of socialism on Cuba?
- Economy is dependent on Venezuela
- A lot of economic corruption
- A guaranteed job provides little incentive to work and mainly underpaid work
- Supported by the time
- Abolition of capitalism
- The economy is stagnated – not growing
71
what is the political impact of socialism on cuba?
- Still socialist, but dismantling of communism from 2006
- Feb 2019 a new constitution 86-85% approval
= socialist constitution
- Sign the UN convention of Human Rights
72
what is the economic impact of socialism on Venezuela?
- As state control of agricultural industry increases, food production fell 75% in 2 decades while population increases by 33%
- Mass starvation and exodus
- Widespread nationalisation of private industry, currency and price controls, and fiscally irresponsible expansion of welfare programs
- Countrywide blackouts, frequent water service interruptions, falling oil production and bankrupt government enterprises
-one thrid of venezulas live in poverty and inflation did hit 25% in 2009.
73
what is the political impact of socialism on venezuela?
-the populist leader Hugo chaves was elected president in 1998 and immediately began transforming this undeveloped and unequal country. Chavez was determined to enact a Bolivarian revolution; it would create socialism in Venezuela and in the tradition of Simon bolivar would provide a focal point for Latin America unity.
-chavez did nationalise venezulas oil industry and used the income from oil experts to fund social services.
74
what is the positive of socialism in venezuela?
- Thriving healthcare system
- Venezuela's currency was worth the most, second only to the US dollar
75
what are the negative of socialism in Venezuela?
Almost a third of venzuals still live in poverty
Human rights abuses, corruption is widespread. Chaves rule saw a reduction in human rights, the abolition of presidential term limits, and increasing politicisation of the judiciary.
76
what is the economic impact of socialism on china ?
Much of China remains rural and poor, but more than 1 million Chinese are millionaires
China has developed into one of the largest economies in the world.
as private enterprise was encouraged, china did regularly enjoy growth rates of more than 10% in the 1990s and 2000s.
77
what is the political impact of socialism on china ?
China has developed into a dictatorship following the socialist/communist revolution – it is a single party state.
China could also be referred to as a police state as there is a large amount of restriction and state control.
78
what are the positives of socialism on china ?
China has developed into one of the largest economies in the world.
It has developed a Large nuclear arsenal
Growth of the middle class, substantial improvements in health care and education.
79
what are the negative of socialism on china?
Maos Great Leap Forward was a failed attempt to modernise agriculture and industry using a rural commune system, causing a famine in which some 20 million died.
Much of China remains rural and poor, but more than 1 million Chinese are millionaires – economic divide.
It has developed a Large nuclear arsenal
Lack of human rights,
80
what is the economic impact of socialism on Vietnam ?
exporting petroleum
No defined as a lower middle-income country
Vietnam has made good economic progress- due to exporting petroleum
It is now defined as a lower middle-income country
In recent years Vietnam’s currency has fallen In value and problems with its banking system and state-owned companies have been exposed
81
what is the political impact of socialism on Vietnamn
?
One party communist state
Human rights abuses
Censorship
Political corruption
Real power resides in the post of general secretary of the Communist Party, which has been held by outgoing president Nguyen Phu Trọng since 2011.
Were part of many wars e.g., w/ France
The communist Party had ruled a unified country since the 1975 reunion of the north and south
82
what are the psotivie that are seen of socilaism in vietnam?
One of southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies and has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2020
83
what are the negatives that are seen to come from socialism in Vietnam?
Vietnams currency has fallen in value and problems with its banking system and state-owned companies have been exposed
No political reform
there are human rights abuses, censorship and corruption are widespread. political dissenters face up to 7 years in prison for crimes such as writing a blog that is critical of the government.
84
how is socialism influenced in Wales?
“at heart, the Celtic people are all communists … with the love of the Welsh for socialism one of their most well-known qualities” This quote was from 1907 by Keir Hardie- leader of Labour party.
Shows the connection between Wales and socialism and a suggestion that a natural relationship exists between them
85
how is socialism influenced in Wales?
For example, it is known-and contrary to the tendency of the times-that is particularly addresses the law of women and cases such as divorce.
Joint ownership of resources such as water mills, is also mentioned. Another typical theme is land distribution
the fact the land was being divided between sons, and not daughters as well, raised fundamental questions about how fair and ‘socialist’ in form these Welsh societies were
86
what do welsh people say about socialism in Wales?
It is clearly important to recognise that ideas, stories, and myths that have arisen in its wake have strongly influenced, and continue to strongly influence the Welsh consideration of themselves as more ‘socialist’ people than their English neighbours
87
who was robert Owen?
- Owen was influenced by the Christian concept of ‘Millenarianism’, the idea that society should prepare for the second coming of Jesus.
- Emphasis on need to respect the environment (relationship between man and nature)
- ‘Utopian’ ideas
- Owen left Wales as a young boy, and his ideas were opposed in his homeland as they refused institutional religion.
88
who was robert owen?
- Overall, there was an unwillingness in Wales to embrace an ideology that was a secular (non-religious) interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount (The Moral Teachings of Jesus)
- However, Owen had a vision for relatively small co-operative communities (exemplified by New Lanark, one of his utopian model villages).
89
what influence has socialism had on the labour party in Wales?
-20th C Welsh Socialist, R.J. Derfel who was inspired by Robert Owen who owned a bookshop and published Welsh and English books. Also influenced by Fabian Society. His efforts shown when attempting to reconcile his faith and socialism = ethical socialism
-T.E. Nicholas, active speaker in Labour party alongside Keir Hardie. Influenced by nonconformity, and actively trying to establish a Welsh Labour Party with emphasis on the Welsh language and culture, also supported autonomy, if not independence in Wales. Faded after death of Keir Hardie
-South Wales, many Trade Unions = South Wales Miners Federation which emphasised class identity
- Syndicalism was another strand, influenced by Nah Ablett
90
who was aneurin Bevan?
He became a member of parliament in 1929
He is well-known for his role as the minister who established the National Health Service
He helped to establish the modern welfare state that tried to ensure education, healthcare and a benefits system that would provide a much more equal society.
91
who was aneurin bevan?
He also had the tendency to toe the line between being an idealist acting on principle and a pragmatic politician determined to get things done,
As the son of a Welsh speaking poet, he valued the importance of the Welsh language and culture.
On the other hand, he was a harsh critic of Welsh nationalism
92
who was Raymond Williams and what part did he play in plaid cymru socialism?
- Raymond Williams, a part of Plaid Cymru, was known internationally for his works in cultural studies, mass media and his connection with the new left movement
- Their aim was to adapt the ideas of Marxism and Gramsci by reducing the emphasis on economic foundation, choosing rather to analyse the way in which aspects of culture operate and sustain the capital system
93
who was Raymond Williams and what part did he play in plaid cymru socialism?
- He influenced nationalists in Wales, e.g., Dafydd Elis Thomas- who attempted to set Plaid Cymru upon a socialist pathway in 1970s-80s
- Overall, they failed the radicalization of the party but has shifted plaid Cymru to the left of the political spectrum
94
what are the example of Raymond Williams with plaid cymru socialism?
- Expansion of the battle against the regime and for women’s equality, and the activity of minorities and people of color to ensure recognition and rights
- Considered the implementation of the Welsh lang, considering British state as part of the issue for socialists as the state is arguably linked to capitalism. Therefore, Williams suggested that the working-class culture and Welsh lang culture are both lifestyles that challenge the regime and that the nature of Welsh society is to persist to capitalism different to the English society
95
how has socialism been evident since devolution?
Senedd in Wales – semi-socialist governing body since the beginning
2/3 members represent social democrat parties in name
Although still not certain to what extent Welsh policies over that period are traditionally left wing
96
how has socialism been evident since devolution?
This was an attempt to express that Welsh tradition contains values which are a little more socialist
Attempt to renounce New Labour tendency to try to reform parts of public sector – e.g., education and health
Hard to argue these policies have taken Wales on a dramatically different route
97
how has socialism been evident since devolution?
Perhaps because Conservatives have been in power in Westminster and a resulting emphasis on protecting core services in Wales
Manifestos of Plaid have a more socialist tone
98
how is socialism evident in plaid Cymru?
on plaid Cymru website it does read Plaid Cymru is working towards creating an equal nation and a nation of equals.
they are also known as to be a centre left to left wing welsh nationalist political party in wales
99
how is socialism evident in plaid Cymru?
on plaid crymu website it does read;
Plaid Cymru is a community based party that’s passionate about Wales and about making a difference to people’s lives.
A vote for Plaid Cymru on 5 May is a vote for a local voice committed to making a difference
100
what evidence is there of socialism in plaid Cymru manifesto?
-Free School Meals for all primary
school children and a commitment
to the aim of extending universal
Free School Meals to secondary
pupils within the next council term
– with a focus on locally-sourced,
nutritious meals
-Free Childcare for all two-year-olds
Value our teachers and school staff
-Higher council tax premiums for second homes
and steps to close the loophole that allows
second homeowners to register their property as
businesses in order to avoid paying the council
tax premium
-Changing planning legislation to impose a cap
on the number of second homes and to refuse
permission for changing a dwelling from being a
primary to a secondary residence
101
what evidence is there of socialism in the labour party manifesto?
'Keep the 1% increase in Land
Transaction Tax charged on second
home purchases. We will work with
communities to explore and develop
effective tax, planning and housing
measures - which could include local rates
of Land Transaction Tax - to ensure the
interests of local people are protected.'
' We will develop a national scheme
restricting rent to local housing
allowance levels for families and young
people who are priced out of the private
rental market and those who are homeless
or who are at risk of homelessness. We
will ensure Rent Smart Wales landlords
respond quickly to complaints of racism
and hate crime and offer appropriate
support'.
102
how has socialism been evident in Wales?
During the time of Rhodri Morgan as First Minister, there is no doubt that the Labour Party used rhetoric and the occasional policy to place Labour in Wales to the left of the New Labour of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in Westminster, coining the phrase ‘clear red water’ between Wales and England, or the United Kingdom as a whole.
-it was an attempt to express the idea that wales tradition does contain values that are a little more socialist, and that policy needs to reflect that such as the decision to ensure free prescriptions for health service patients.
-Aswell as parking also does remain free in places such as hospitals which is not always the case in England
103
how is socialism seen to influence Wales become more today?
Raymond Willimas would be shown to be influential among some nationalist in wales, especially those such as dafydd Elis thomas who attempted to set plaid Cymru upon a socialist pathway in 1970s and 1980s.
-other figures such as Robert Griffiths and Gareth mils would establish the Welsh socialist republican movement during the 1980s were responsible for popularising Marxist orthodox ideas among nationalists. it would be argued that it would allow Wales to protect the interests of its people.
-it is true that since the 1980s plaid Cymru has shifted to the left wing and does describe itself as a socialist party, in an attempt to partly challenge the dominance of the labour party in industrial areas of the south.
104
what the global influence of socialism in spain in 2022?
rise of Podemos, it rose in 2014 as far left Anti austerity party and transformed spains politics.
-after breaking through in 2014 Europeans elections Podemos, together with the now moribund a centre right citizens party brough an end to four decades of dominance by the dupoly of the pp and Spanish socialist workers party ( PSOE).
-while the psoe did fail to materialise at the 2016 general election, the party did still mange to enter spains first coalition government in eight decades a mere six years after its foundation.
105
how is socialism evident in south America?
-it could not be a return of the pink tide of leftist government that swept into power across south America in the early 2000s. and were largely swept out again amid a conservative backlash in the mid 2010s.
-the regions had left a showing signs of revival.
106
how is socialism evident in Argentina?
October 2019 presidential election the moderate left Peronist candidate Alberto fernade outsted the market friendly incumbent Mauricio Macri.
107
how is socialism evident in European parliament?
progressive alliance of socialist and democrats is the political group of the European parliament of the party of European socialists.
-it was founded as a socialist group on 29 June 1953 which does make it the second oldest political group in the European parliament after renew Europe.
-adopted its present name on 23 june 2009.
108
how is socialism evident in the European parliament?
-centre life in orientation the group does mostly comprise of social democratic parties and is affiliated with the progressive alliance and socialist international.
-until 1999 European parliament elections it was largest group in parliament, since then it had been the second.
-during eight eu parliament assembly the s and d was the only parliament group with repsentation from all 27 eu member states
109
how is socialism evident in the European parliament?
-in current eu parliament the s and d is composed of 146 members from 25 member states
-in the European council, 8 out of 27 heads of state and government belong to pes parties and in the European commission 8 out of 27 commissioners come from pes parties.
110
what evidence is there of socialism in peru?
2021 pedro castillo a far left teacher with no previous experience as an elected official, did win the presidential election.
111
what evidence is there of socialism in chile?
2022 Gabriell boric a former student protest leader and leftist legislator did become the youngest president in history after taking office in march.
112
what evidence is there of socialism in Colombia?
Gustavo Petro became the first leftist president in modern history
113
what evidence is there of socialism in Honduras?
-in November 2021 Honduras held its presidential elections where the left wing candidate xiamara Castro won against her opponents nasry afrua, from the ruling right wing national party
-conservative wave that follwed the pink tide is far from ebbing though.
-2018 election of jair Bolsonaro in brazil was a blow to the region progressives and he has justified their fears
114
what evidence is there of socialism globally?
jair bolsonaro administration curbed the fight against corruption and downplayed the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, even as he had continued to denigrate the country's indigenous communities and undermined the country democratic norms.
115
what evidence is there of socialism in the world?
-in Uruguay conservative did take control of government in 019 from the leftist broad front coalition that was in power for a decade and a half . conservative Guillermo lasson won Ecuador's presidential election in may 2021, while Argentian ruling Peronist government suffered a setback in midterm elections in November of the same year.
116
how is socialism shown to be electorally dominant in wales?
politics in Wales has been dominated by the left, the last time the conservatives won a higher percentage of the vote in Wales than in England in a general election was in 1859. there was a rise of the labour party in Wales after 1922.
-conservative party and liberal democrats do tend to underperform in wales, labour does dominate. no mainstream political parties either on the far left or far right..
-2019 10 plaid Cymru ams in the assembly and 4 MPs in parliament.
117
how is socialism shown to be electorally dominant and evident in wales?
mark drakeford is a left wing pro corbyn first minister ( only member of the welsh cabinet to vote for corbyn). he had the support from momentum.
-labour do hold 29 out of the 60 in the assembly and 28 out of 40 mps in parliament.
-mark Drakeford does call himself a 21 st centaury socialist.
-during his campaign for the leadership of welsh labour he said that he wanted' a future which works for the many in our society not the simply privileged few'
118
how is socialism evident in wales?
electorally
labour dominated welsh politics for a centaury
-led the welsh assembly in all 5 terms
-won the majority of parliamentary seats in wales since the devolution in 1923.
-welsh labour has been the major partner or only party in every Welsh assembly government since devolution.
119
how is socialism evident in Wales?
-labour has won the majority of parliamentary seats in wales since the election in 1923
-welsh labour has been the major partner or only party in every welsh assembly government since devolution
-since 1918 labour has been first in every Welsh wide election except 1 eu 2009.
120
why has socialism dominated welsh politics?
history of industrial wales- coal mines, terraced houses, working mens clubs
-influential politicians of the labour movement were welsh roy jenkins, aneurin Bevan, neil Kinnock or they did represent Welsh constituencies keir Hardie, Michael foot, jim Callaghan , ramsey mac Donald.
-wales did benefit from when there was a Welsh labour government welsh office 1960s support for devolution 1970s, 90s.
121
how is socialism seen as no longer relevant in wales?
labour has experienced a decline in the share of the vote
2010 -36.2%
2015 36.9%
welsh assembely elections 2016 -35%
122
what is ethical socialism?
ethical socialism is the combination of the socialist concept of society and economy with the ethical treatment of capital, primarily human and natural capital.
123
how does ethical socialism differ from utopian socialism?
ethical socialism does not believe there is a moral absolute, thus there cannot be some absolute concept of equality nor does ethical socialism seek absolute equality it seeks relative equality.
124
how is ethical socialism related to communism?
ethical socialism is communism under different terms. communism was originally a pre service oriented economic system ethical socialism is an attempt to update the communist ideology.
125
what ia relative equality?
relative equality based upon the individual factors as in child and an adult would be equal but have different needs and thus receive unequal amounts of capital.
126
which form of communism does ethical socialism resemble the most?
ethical socialism had close ties to Leninism and Trotskyism calling for a vanguard party to protect the interests of the proletariat and calling for non violent but not strictly pacifistic means towards a revolution in underdeveloped countries.
127
how does ethical socialism attempt to update communism?
ethical socialism intends to take the concept of entrepreneurialism with socialism by allowing individuals in society to establish their businesses which turn into co ops upon success all the time being owned by the state.
128
does ethical socialism call for abolition of private property?
yest but through reformist methods. the success of public property will triumph over private property , while the government will purchase the older less used private property.
129
is ethical socialism a market economy?
no while it does have market aspects, ethical is still subject to quotes regulations an government interventionism. however it is also not entirely a command economy for ethical socialism states that a true command economy can only lead to a dictatorship by a new rulling class.
130
how does the state plan to overcome private property?
by using tactics first proposed by fredrick engels in his pricples of communism, but with modern and scientific methods
1; placing heavily progressive taxes on those who own property for industrial or commercial means and the state purchasing of agricultural property
2; abolishing non heredity inheritance, while having heavy progressive taxes on inheritance
3; the purchasing of private property from their owners with an offer of a pension and works democratization of that previous industry.
131
how does the state plan to overcome private property?
4; unionization and workers democratization of major industries and encouraging workers democratization agricultural unionization of rural private property.
5; state ownership of communication, education, infrastructure and unused natural capital.
6; encourage the governmental and non governmental revitalization of urban areas.
132
does ethical socialism draw its ethics from religion?
no but it does draw its ethics from commonly shared moral opinion that benefit society but a socialist state could never be involved with religious matters.
133
is ethical socialism opposed to religion?
no religion is a personal matter of each individual, ethical socialism does not judge individuals by their religion but by their inherited qualities.
134
what are the key ethics of ethical socialism?
the just treatment of human in accordance to their needs
respect and honor for nature and those things which it produces
openness and honest actions by the government
taking actions rather than shifting the problem to another person
recognition of true value rather than capitalist value
