AQA A Level Politics - Socialism - Beatrice Webb

Historical Context - Beatrice Webb

-Webb was a key founding member of the British Labour Party from 1900 onwards.

-She wrote at a time when more working class men in Britain had the vote and felt that socialism could be achieved through democratic means and vigorous trade unionism, via the 'inevitability of gradualism'.

Human Nature - Beatrice Webb

-Humans are fraternal, co-operative and altruistic.

-She argued that it would take time for the 'false consciousness' of capitalism to be overcome and return humanity to its natural state.

Society - Beatrice Webb

-Vigorous trade unionism and working class solidarity would increase awareness of the benefit of socialism within society.

-As the benefits of socialism become more apparent, society will become more co-operative and altruistic.

The State - Beatrice Webb

-The capitalist state would wither away and be replaced by a socialist state.

-This would occur gradually over time.

-Universal suffrage is important in order to give all men and women a say in how the state is run.

-Once voters realise the benefits of socialism, more would vote for it.

The Economy - Beatrice Webb

-Common ownership will eventually replace the capitalist system.

-However, this should not be achieved through a violent revolution, which would only cause chaos and destruction.

-A socialist economy will evolve eventually.