To what extent do socialists differ on the importance of class? Flashcards
(10 cards)
What do revolutionary socialists prioritize?
Revolutionary socialists prioritize class conflict as the engine of history.
Key Thinker: Karl Marx - “The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle.”
How do Third Way socialists view class?
Third Way socialists downplay class, seeing it as outdated and divisive.
Key Thinker: Anthony Giddens - Advocated for a ‘post-class politics’ reflecting modern realities.
What is the main difference between revolutionary socialism and Third Way socialism?
Marx sees class as everything, while Giddens sees it as one factor among many.
What do democratic socialists aim to do regarding class relations?
Democratic socialists want to restructure class relations to eliminate structural inequality.
Key Thinker: Beatrice Webb - Promoted rational planning for equality.
What is the focus of social democrats concerning class?
Social democrats aim to reduce class disadvantage without abolishing the class system.
What is the key difference between democratic socialism and social democracy?
Webb aims to replace capitalism, while Crosland aims to humanize it.
What do all socialists agree on regarding inequality?
All socialists agree that inequality, often class-based, must be reduced.
What is the revolutionary socialist view on class?
Revolutionary socialists want to abolish class completely to end oppression and injustice.
Key Thinker: Marx - Liberation is only possible when class is gone.
How do social democrats approach class inequality?
Social democrats accept class but want to narrow the gap between rich and poor to ensure fairness.
What foundational agreement exists among all socialists?
There is a foundational agreement that class inequality is a problem, even if approaches differ.
