Socialism - core ideas and principles

What are the core values and principles of socialism (5)

1. collectivism

2. common humanity

3. equality

4. social class

5. workers control

What is collectivisim? (4)

- idea that collective human effort has more practical and moral value than individual effort

- people working together towards a shared goal

- fundamental for an ideal society (individualism causes decline)

- idea that group interests are more important than individual as encourages social unity and responsibility.

Why do socialists support collectivism? (2)

- it efficiently utilises resources and less waste and competition

- reinforces idea humans like living in groups and their nature is shaped by social conditions

What are some examples of collectivist policies? (5)

1. nationalisation

2. common ownership

3. cooperatives

4. welfare intervention

5. trade unions

Why do some socialists criticise collectivism? (2)

- focus on group action and shared interests can limit diversity and individuality

- could encourage dependency culture

What is common humanity? (3)

-socialist idea that humans are social beings, able to cooperate and be social and rational.

- capitalism brings out the worst in humans as it encourages competition rather than cooperation, but humans naturally have social responsibility are are motivated by moral incentives

- humans wish to work together, building relationships based on respect, understanding and mutual support, in turn achieving positive outcomes for soc

What is equality? (2)

- fundamental tenet of socialism, however disagreements on how it should be considered

- key goal of socialism is to equally distribute weath and income

What are the positives and negatives of social equality? (5/3)

ensures fairness (capitalism causes structural inequality, whereas socialist believes all are born w ability to be equal)

reinforces collectivism (humans are more likely to live peacefully for a collective goal when they have similar social/economic conditions - inequality encourages conflict)

ensures basic human needs are satisfied (equal distribution reduces absolute poverty & only the state and redistribution can ensure all get basic needs satisfied)

can increase life expectancy and happiness

reduce poverty and crime

😿 can lower peoples ambition, causing economic underperformance

😿 if all people are equal, this does not allow for meritocracy

😿 limits diversity and individual liberty

What is the revolutionary socialist take on equality? (3)

- complete equality of material things and opportunity

- there should be state control of goods and collective ownership of production

- equality of outcome

What is the social democratic take on equality? (3)

- equality of opportunity and eradication of absolute poverty

- welfare measures, progressive taxation and govt spending

- equality of welfare, as absolute equality not pragmatic

What is social class in relation to socialism? (4)

- way to characterise soc by putting members into groups based on their socioeconomic status

- people in same social class are perceived to have similar outlooks and aims

- social classes can explain the division in soc.

- social class is main driver of change as opposed the individuals

What are Marxist ideas of social class? (2)

- the bourgeoisie (productive wealth owners) and proletariat (working class)

- believes that the inevitable conflict will eventually result in the proletariat (majority) overthrowing bourgeoisie (minority) to replace it with a socialist soc without social classes.

What are social democratic ideas of social class? (2)

- difference in income and status between those in manual and non-manual jobs

- socialist goals can be met through state redistribution and welfare to reduce distinctions between social classes

What is workers control? (1) and its benefits (3) and drawbacks(1)?

- partial or full ownership of an enterprise by its workers or ownership of state and economy by workers.

+ results in more fair and equal distribution of resources and benefits whole workforce

+ narrows distinctions in social class encouraging equality and social justice

+ motivates workers more as they have more power and feel more valued (not a commodity)

:( idealistic, as businesses need business minded individuals to lead and take risks successfully rather than manual workers, who do not necessarily have these skills.