Socialism

Core values and principles of socialism

Equality of outcome

Nationalisation

Fraternity

Social change/class

Workers interests

Social justice

How do these values differ from liberalism

Libs- equality of opportunity, not outcome

Privatisation not nationalisation

Agree on Fraternity

Still involves social class

Support capitalism

Rights of businesses

How do these values differ from conservatism

Conservatives:

Paternalistic- do not let workers run stuff- let the elites with experience run it

Pessimistic view of human nature- Natural state is not co-operaitive but ‘poor, nasty, brutish and short’

Privatisation

Pro tradition- not chnage

Natural state is not co-operaitive but ‘poor, nasty, brutish and short’

Small state

How do socialists view human nature

Optimistic- Webb’ a better tomorrow is conceivable, achievable and probable’

Co-operative

Rational and therefore malleable

How do socialists view the state

Need one- reject anarchism

Enlarged state- school healthcare industry etc

High public spending funded by heavy tax

Should supply universal public services

Nationalisation

How do socialists view society

Crucial- Crosland ‘we cannot sperate ourselves from the sort of society we have’

Traditional soc damage individual natures- malleable- if soc improves so too do individuals

Collectivist

Individual interests are second to society

Equality of outcome

How do socialists view the economy

Redistribution of wealth

Orthodox socialist(Marx ,Webb) see socialism as incompatible with capitalism

Revisionist socialists-e.g Crosland see capitalism as a precondition to effective socialist econ policy- creating enough wealth for state to redistribute

How do Marx and Engels view human nature

Has been contaminated by capitalism- encourages selfishness and greed despite mankind’s original nature being co-operative, fraternal and selfless

How do M and E view society

Capitalism has created two conflicting classes- the Bourgeoisie and the proletariat- this is toxic and creates toxic inequalities of wealth and power. Soc will be overthrown by an inevitable proletariat revolution

How do M and E view state

Isn’t politically neutral- serves the interest of the class controlling economy and thus is a committee for the wealthy capitalists. Should be ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’. The state will wither away and will enter communism.

How do M and E view the economy

Capitalism makes ‘surplus value’ while employees get minimum wages- unfair.

Private property should be replaced by common ownership

The economic base underpins the foundations of society

Beatrice Webb’s view on human nature

Product of their environment- anti social traits are not natural to humans and it is because capitalism is a corruptive force

Webb’s view on society

Should be reformed gradually

Inequal ( caused by capitalism)

Rejects Marxs inevitable class stuggle

Webb’s view on state

State intervention and trade unionism are the most likely tools to eliminate poverty qand inequality

Should be effective nourishment education and training when young

FGree healthcare

Helped add Clause IV to labour