Politics A level EDEXCEL Socialism

Socialism

a political and economic theory of social organisation that advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

When did Karl Marx live?

1818-1883.

Lived through Industrial Revolution in Germany.

Greater wealth inequality and exploitation in factories.

When did Friedrich Engels live?

1820-95.

Industrial Revolution + wealth inequality

German unification- a period of change

Revolutions of 1848 and 1871. Tumultuous

The Communist Manifesto

A socialist manifesto written by Marx and Engels (1848) describing the history of the working-class movement according to their views.

Revolutionary Socialism

A socialist doctrine that violent action was the only way to achieve the goals of socialism. Dialectic

Marx + Engels on human nature

Humans social and economic creatures contaminated by capitalism. Cooperative, selfless and fraternal.

Nature of class struggle and the dialectic.

Marx and Engels on the State

Engels believed that the modern state, no matter what form of government, is essentially a capitalist machine, which serves the elites.

State is a product of the ruling class.

'wither away'

Marx and Engels on Society

Society defined by class conflict.

Should be common ownership and fraternal values. 'From each according to his ability to each according to his needs.'

Marx and Engels on the economy

Capitalism corrupts people's very nature and exploits the workers. When the minority control the means of production, the majority will rise up against them. Economy reflects nature and society.

When did Rosa Luxemburg live?

1871-1919.

Born during the Revolutions of 1871.

World War 1

Spartacist leader.

Spartacist Uprising

January 1919 uprising by young socialists in response to perceived weaknesses of the SDP.

Luxemburg on human nature

Capitalism corrupts to an extent, but in worker communities fraternal values are retained. Cooperative, fraternal.

Luxemburg on the state

Revolution through strike action. Communists must make changes from within by gaining a foothold in the political system. Revolution would occur 'spontaneously' and be followed by social democracy. Elections and common ownership.

Luxemburg on society.

People will vote in their best interests so communism must show that it is in the interests. Society bands together, thus workers will revolt together when the time arrives.

Luxemburg on the economy

Capitalism is more resilient but less pervasive than Marx thought.

The Fabian Society

An association of British socialists who advocated gradual reforms within the law leading to democratic socialism.

When did Beatrice Webb live?

1858-1943.

Revolutions of 1871.

British Empire peak. Constant wars + exploitation.

World Wars

Interwar unemployment. Depression. General Strike.

Democratic Socialism

Political system in which the government takes over the means of production peacefully; people retain basic human rights and partial control over economic planning.

Webb on human nature

Capitalism causes 'unnatural' greed and jealousy.

Nature dictates that reform must be gradual and accommodating to all/majority

Webb on the state

Poverty and inequality would be reduced by state intervention and trade unionism. Welfare state.

State must lead the change with the support of the people. Socialist party ideal proponents of change.

Webb on society

People should take the interests of others in mind. Society should be slightly divided but fraternal.

Webb on the economy.

Collective ownership. Capitalism suppresses the poor and is the principal cause of 'crippling poverty and demeaning inequality.'

Chaotic capitalism will be replaced over time.

Social democracy

Democracy but for socialists

when did Anthony Crosland live?

1918-77.

Grew up during Interwar.

Consensus period.

Cold War.

Crosland on human nature

People have a strong sense of justice and a visceral reaction to inequality.

Crosland on the state

Large welfare state to provide for the citizens. Prime role should be in ensuring equality of outcome. This should start in education, comprehensive schooling for all, irrespective of wealth. Level the playing field. Typically of consensus period, limited public ownership.

Crosland on society

'More complex than Marx could ever have imagined' due to the creation of new sub-classes.

Education greatest barrier to equality

Crosland on the economy

Managed capitalism. Nationalisation of the 40s was enough. Mixed economy of public and private necessary for growth, both industrial and for quality of life. Keynesianism would ensure permanent growth and full employment.

When did Anthony Giddens live?

1938-present.

Grew up in war and recovery.

Cold War and consensus

Free market neoliberalism seizing control.

Third-way socialism

A branch of socialism that accepts capitalism and aims to harness it to achieve equality of result.

Giddens on human nature

Driven by fraternal values, but also pursuit of selfish improvement and growth.

Giddens on the state

Must be proactive and invest in public services and infrustructure. Redistribute and localise power.

Equality of opportunity, not outcome

Giddens on society

Used fordist communities as an example. Communities established around a factory, who exhibit collective values within the capitalist framework. People require individual identity, tied in with community spirit.

Giddens on the economy

Triangulate the economy. Neo-liberal privatisation with large welfare state. Deregulate economy to increase tax yields for improving equality of opportunity.