To What Extent Is Anarchism A Single Movement

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Anarchism is a political ideology based on the belief in living ‘without rule’, aiming for a society without state or hierarchical authority. Although all anarchists are united in their desire to abolish the state, there are key differences between individual and collectivist anarchists regarding how this should be achieved and what a stateless society looks like. These differing opinions cause uncertainty on whether anarchism is a single movement. It can be argued that anarchism is a single movement. It can be argued that anarchism is a single movement with them being united as a whole but with different branches of

Question 2

Paragraph 1- the economy

Answer 2

Cannot be a single movement due to different conceptions of the free economy

Collectivists: Emphasise collective ownership and cooperation in their vision of the economy.
They are opposed to all forms of capitalism and want common ownership as it allows working class to develop without the state. EG Kropotkin advocated for decentralised, self managed communities, resources held in common mutual aid and cooperation key to free society

Individualists: prioritise individual autonomy and reject notions of collective ownership. Believe state ownership is exploitative and prevents friendly competition
Stirner- concept of egoism (an ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality) centred on self interest and assertion of one’s own desires without constraint of societal norms

Question 3

However

Answer 3

Common goal of economic equality, fair distribution of resources, aiming to eliminate exploitation and oppression in economic structures
Goldmans advocacy of workers rights and social justice reflects this

Question 4

Paragraph 2- Rejection of the state

Answer 4

Share the view that the state is an unnecessary evil and reject it, however disagree what/if anything should be put in place

Individualists: State is a coercive entity that limits individual freedom and autonomy. Believes the state should be replaced. EG Proudhon says the state interferes with individual liberty and self development eg state laws.

Collectivists: State is a tool of oppression that upholds hierarchical power structures, serves interests of ruling class
EG Bakunin says the state serves interests of wealthy elite and dominates the working class. Therefore, collectivists argue for abolishment

Question 5

Paragraph 3- Society

Answer 5

All anarchists argue for a stateless society, emphasis on community and cooperation.

Collectivists: Society is a natural entity, ideal society should be decentralised, modelled on trade union or federated associations. EG Kropotkin proposed the creation of natural self sufficient and prosperous communities

Individualists: To protect personal autonomy, state (because it has power to impose taxes, conscription and laws), has to be abolished. EG Stirner envisioned a future free stateless society based on creation of unions and egoists and the transformative process of insurrection.