Different views and tensions in socialism

Evolutionary Socialism

A gradual, parliamentary approach to socialism that requires a democratic mandate from the people and emphasizes nationalization, centralization, and worker cooperatives

Fabian Society

A reformist socialist group linked with evolutionary socialism and thinkers like Beatrice and Sidney Webb that advocates gradual, parliamentary change

Marxism

A fundamentalist form of socialism aiming for a utopian, classless society with common ownership, higher productivity, reduced work weeks, and no worker alienation

Social Justice (John Rawls)

The framework for allocating resources fairly through state institutions to build a more egalitarian society

Social Democracy

A centre

Democratic Socialism

A left

Revolutionary Socialism

The belief that socialism can only be established by completely overthrowing existing political and societal structures, as parliament is controlled by the capitalist class

Third Way Socialism

A centre

Communitarianism

A core Third Way idea emphasizing community interests over individual desires and seeking to reinvigorate social democracy in response to globalization

Class Consciousness vs False Consciousness

The proletariat's eventual realization of their exploitation leading to a revolution, which is currently delayed by false consciousness

Dictatorship of the Proletariat

A short

Role of State: Social Democrats

Supports a state that balances regulation and progressive taxation ("Robin Hood" model) with personal freedom and a private sector

Role of State: Democratic Socialists

Has strong faith in the state's ability to direct economic resources far more effectively and equitably than free markets

Role of State: Revolutionary Socialists

Views the capitalist state as a tool of the ruling class, believing it will eventually "wither away" once class divisions disappear under communism

Ends: Fundamentalist vs Revisionist Socialism

Fundamentalism seeks to completely abolish capitalism, whereas revisionism seeks to adapt capitalism to achieve social justice

Means: Revolutionary vs Evolutionary Methods

Revolutionaries advocate overthrowing the capitalist system through dramatic change, whereas evolutionaries prefer gradual progress through democratic elections