State

Question 1

A strong state

Answer 1

• socialism demands a strong state that takes an active role in ensuring equality.
• most socialists call for some form of common ownership/ state control over parts of the economy.
• there is a marked variation between socialist thinkers and types of socialism over the form the state should take and the amount of power is should wield.
• e.g. the socialist clause

Question 2

The state will wither away

Answer 2

• In Marxism - ‘the dictatorship of the proletariat’ would destroy all that was left of liberal-capitalist values in the people.
• once everyone fully accepts communist ideas of equality, fraternity and collectivism than there will no longer be the need for a state and it will wither away.
• humanity will then have achieved ‘the end of history’.

Question 3

No absolute power of an individual

Answer 3

• as socialism champions collectivism it is no surprise that it opposes monarchy and all other forms of individual or elite rule.
• revolutionary socialists call for these kinds of states to be smashed, evolutionary socialists for them to be removed via the ballot box.

Question 4

Different socialism - different states

Answer 4

• democratic socialism: strong state that controls the economy and runs an extensive welfare state. Free elections.
• social democracy: state manages the economy (Keynes) rather than directly owning and running industry.
• Third way: state spends tax revenue to help the poorest but focus on cultural and political inequality. E.g. focusing on access to post-16 and university education and racial, gender and sexual equality.