To What Extent Are Anarchists United In Their Views On The State? (24)

AGREE Rejecting the state

Individualist

Stirner - the state is a constraint that confuses us

blend between the two

Goldman - the state is a cold monster

Collectivist

Bakunin - all hierarchies are controlling and commanding and therefore should be rejected

Proudhon - the state has neither the right nor wisdom nor the virtue to govern

AGREE State is economically exploitative.

Individualist

Stirner – argued that taxation and state authority restrict individual freedom; individuals should be free from all external constraints and control their own property.

Collectivist

Proudhon – people are forced into a exploitative capitalist system just to survive – proposed mutualism where all means of production are exchanged via Labour notes

State creates inequality

DISAGREE Approach to remove the state

Individualist

Stirner - through insurrection whereby individuals withdraw themselves from the state by refusing to obey rules.

Collectivist

Bakunin - supported propaganda by the deed which involves direct action against the state which could ignite a revolution capable of dismantling a hierarchy

Kropotkin stated that "explosions are more effective than the vote" - violence needed for change

DISAGREE what society would look like without a state

Individualist

Stirner – society and economy should be formed on voluntary agreements that are non-binding, only cooperate to the extent that it satisfies their individual needs

Collectivist – society organised through communes based on cooperation and mutual aid

Kropotkin – wealth results from a collective effort. “All belongs to all”. – goods should be shared rather than individually owned. Cooperation is voluntary but seen as the societal norm