socialism

key concept: collectivism

collective human effort contributes more effictively to the economy and holds stronger ethical significance than individual effort alone

key concept: common humanity

humans are naturaly social beings who tend to cooperate, interact with others and think rationally. An individuals actions and identitiy can’t be fully uderstood without considering the society they live in, because human behaviour is shaped by social influences

key concept: equality

equality is essential for a fair society, a balanced economy, and a just political system. it also reflects a belief that human beings thrive best in conditions where everyone is treated with dignity and has access to the same basic rights and resources

key concept: social class

a social class is a group of people who share a similar economic and social position in soiety. for socialists, class is a key concept - it shapes how they understand equality,power and fairness. many socialists believe that class divisions affect everything; how society is organised, how the state operates, and how the economy works. they argue that to create a more equal and just society, these class differences need to be reduced or removed

key concept: workers control

refers to how much influence governments or communities should have over things like production,wealth and decision-making. socialists often argue that more public control, through planning,regulation or ownership - is needed to reduce inequality and serve the common good. the level and method of control can vary, from full state ownership to democratic management by workers or citizens.

key thinkers: MARX

all societies go through a set of stages:

state of nature —> slave societies —> feudalism —> capitalism —> revolution (proletariat) —> dictatorship of proletariat (people return to natural state: altruistic, cooperative, rational, social) —> disillusion of state —> utopia

class consciousness: proletariat identify they are being exploited by bourgeoisie