What is socialism- lesson 1

Capitalism

An economic and political system in which property and resources are owned privately rather than by the state, with the intention of generating profit

Bourgeoisie

The social class that owns the capitalist means of production and society's wealth, interested in preserving private property and wealth

Proletariat

The working class / wage earners who do not own the means of production in a capitalist society

Economic Determinism

The idea that human behavior is determined by the economic structure; changing the economic system from capitalism to socialism will change human behavior

Social Democratic Strand

Believes capitalism can be humanized through small adjustments within the capitalist system to achieve a fairer distribution of wealth

Democratic Socialist Strand

Believes socialist change can be achieved on the basis of a mandate through parliamentary elections

Marxist Strand

Believes capitalism must be overthrown via a revolution and replaced by communism

Communism (Marx)

An economic system based on public ownership and a planned economy, leading to a classless society and the 'end of history'

Examples of Communist Regimes

Russian Revolution (1917), Fidel Castro (Cuba), Mao Zedong (1949), and North Korea

Fraternity

The sharing of common interests and beliefs, implying that a group is as close as 'if they were brothers'

Fraternity Example: Miners' Strike (1984–85)

Led by Arthur Scargill (NUM) against the Coal Board & Thatcher government to prevent colliery closures, demonstrating workers grouping together in solidarity

Cooperation

working together for mutual benefit, which socialists view as superior to capitalist class conflict and competition

Cooperation Example

John Lewis & Waitrose

Collectivism

The principle that collective human effort (acting in solidarity) is of greater practical and moral value than individual effort

Collectivism Example

Clause 4 which was part of the Labour party manifesto with Clement Atlee, State control, common ownership e.g. NHS. 

Common Humanity

The socialist view that humans are social, rational, and cooperative creatures whose behavior is socially and economically determined

Human Nature: Socialism vs. Conservatism/Liberalism

Socialism views human nature as malleable with no natural hierarchy; capitalism brings out its worst, whereas socialism fosters cooperation to bring about ‘common good’

Equality in Socialism

The underlying principle of socialism focused on equal distribution of wealth and income, contrasting with liberal/conservative equality of opportunity

how did social democrats want to achieve equality

 use progressive tax and benefits to redistribute income/ wealth 

how did democratic socialists want to achieve equality

The state should run industries, and backed up by elected socialist politicians 

how do Marxists want to achieve equality

capitalists should be overthrown, and a classless society should be created  

Karl Marx Quote on Equality/Distribution

"From each according to his ability; to each according to his need"

Robert Nozick (Conservative) Quote on Distribution

"From each according to what he chooses to do, to each according to what makes for himself"

Social Class & Alienation

Bourgeoisie pay low wages to maximize profit, replacing objecting workers with the 'reserve army,' leading to worker alienation and class conflict

Class Consciousness

The stage under capitalism where the proletariat becomes aware of their exploitation, forming a revolutionary class to replace capitalism

Workers' Control

Democratic socialist strategy to ensure equitable resource distribution and abolish class distinctions by running workplaces for workers rather than shareholders

UK Political Example: 2026 Labour Conference

Proposals to look at nationalizing key industries like railways and introducing a national care system