To what extent are different socialists committed to equality? (80:20 – substantially agree) Flashcards
(21 cards)
What do fundamentalist socialists believe about equality?
Fundamentalist socialists are totally committed to absolute and outcome-based equality. They believe that all inequality stems from capitalism and that genuine equality can only be achieved by abolishing capitalism and implementing common ownership.
What is the key thinker associated with fundamentalist socialism?
Marx believed that true equality could only be achieved by removing private property and class divisions, viewing capitalism as incompatible with socialism’s core value of fraternity.
How do democratic socialists differ from fundamentalist socialists?
Democratic socialists share a commitment to equality but are more gradualist, supporting a powerful state to intervene in the economy and reduce class-based inequality significantly.
What is the key thinker associated with democratic socialism?
Beatrice Webb rejected philanthropy and called for systematic state intervention to reduce inequality through welfare and economic planning.
What is the core aim of both fundamentalist and democratic socialists?
Both see tackling inequality, especially of outcome, as a core aim of socialism, though their approaches differ.
What do social democrats focus on regarding equality?
Social democrats are committed to equality, focusing more on equality of opportunity and welfare rather than strict equality of outcome.
What is the key thinker associated with social democracy?
Anthony Crosland argued that democratic equality was key, believing it unfair for life chances to be determined by social background, advocating for comprehensive education and welfare.
How do Third Way socialists interpret equality?
Third Way socialists support equality but reinterpret it more flexibly, emphasizing opportunity and inclusion over redistribution or shared wealth.
What is the key thinker associated with Third Way socialism?
Giddens saw equality of opportunity as the goal, focusing on empowering individuals rather than guaranteeing equal end results.
What is the conclusion regarding the commitment to equality among social democrats and Third Way thinkers?
Both remain committed to equality, though interpreted in slightly different forms.
What is the core division regarding equality?
The core division is over whether equality of outcome is a goal in itself, or whether equality of opportunity is enough.
What do Third Way socialists reject?
Third Way socialists reject full equality of outcome, arguing it’s unrealistic and counterproductive.
What do Third Way socialists prioritize instead of economic equality?
They prioritize inclusion, meritocracy, and access to opportunity.
What is the aim of Third Way socialists regarding equality?
The aim is for a fair starting line, not a guaranteed finish.
What did Giddens argue about modern socialism?
Giddens argued that modern socialism needed to adapt to globalisation and supported targeted investment.
What did Giddens think about excessive redistribution?
He thought that excessive redistribution and universal welfare discouraged innovation and self-reliance.
How do revolutionary socialists view Third Way socialists?
Revolutionary socialists see this as a betrayal.
What do revolutionary socialists argue about capitalism?
They argue that capitalism inherently produces inequality, and that opportunity cannot be equal unless material conditions are also equalised.
What do revolutionary socialists believe about equality of outcome?
They see equality of outcome not as utopian, but as essential for human dignity and freedom.
What did Marx believe about private ownership?
Marx believed that any society which preserved private ownership would preserve exploitation.
What is the conclusion regarding the disagreement between Third Way socialists and fundamentalists?
This represents a fundamental clash: Third Way socialists believe opportunity matters most; fundamentalists believe only outcome equality can liberate people.
