Socialism - history and core ideas (19 cards done so far)

need to expand other

which era influenced the beginnings of socialism

industrial revolution between 18th and 19th centuries

increased criticism of private property

led to term ‘socialism’

what sparked ideas of utopian socialism

early industrial revolution showed signs of the level of worker exploitation that would be necessary for the new era of industrial capitalism

thinkers like Robert Owen tried to combat industry and capitalism with socialist ideas like common ownership

why did socialist ideas become more urgent and sophisticated

rampant expansion of industry in the cities

rural - urban migration

higher urban population = worse conditions for living and working

what did early socialists argue for - mainly in response to liberalism

tried to show the link between the ‘right to private property’ and worker exploitation

criticised the tiny concentration of power in society

what was the link between early socialist thinkers and new liberal thinkers

thinkers like TH green were quite similar to early socialist views

he was also critical of contemporary working conditions and linked these to the notions of classical liberalism

believed in more intervention in economics but still argued for a capitalist state

socialist view of human nature

optimistic, fraternal, rational, communal, and malleable

how does an optimistic view on human nature help socialism to exist in capitalist frameworks

socialists believe that we are destined for a greater world and are united in this goal

origin of socialist human nature as optimistic

the enlightenments’ consensus that humans have a right to and potential for intellectual and moral growth

socialists depart from liberal view of doing this individually however

Beatrice Webb quote for optimistic view of human nature

“there is no excuse for depressive inaction. a better tomorrow is conceivable, achievable, and probable.”

why do socialists believe humans are fraternal in nature

• because of the idea that we are capable of overcoming challenges better as a unit rather than as individuals

• therefore humans are geared toward generosity and concern for others

Rosa Luxemburg quote about fraternalism

• “our instinct is not to win but to share and should we be fortunate enough to be on the winning side, our ultimate instinct is to share the fruits of victory with other.”

Gidden’s example of fraternal human nature

even the highest earners in capitalist societies can be rationally persuaded that they should use their money to help others through paying more taxes or donating to charities

explain socialism’s view of human nature as Rational

• socialists believe that humans are naturally logical and collaborative

• instead of the individualistic society promoted by liberalism - socialists believe that by working together in methodical manners we could create progress

what do socialists believe we naturally seek over individual independence

community and solidarity

what does Marx argue selfishness is a symptom of and where does he say humans find true individual pleasure

Marx argues that selfishness is a symptom of ‘false consciousness’ and helping others is where we find true individual pleasure

what led socialists to believe human nature is malleable

Marx argued that human nature has been contaminated by forces beyond the control of an individual

in this argument he therefore posits that human nature can be changed and isn’t fixed

how did the view of human nature as malleable influence UK approaches to crime

• Giddens and Blair set out to be tough on the causes of crime in order to lower crime itself

• this was because they believed that the criminal was made not bred - and by tackling things like poverty and lack of opportunity - we could deter people from crime

explain socialism’s view of human nature as existential

• socialists argue for an appreciation of society in order for the understanding of human nature

• society is therefore existentially significant to human condition

• socialists believe that traditional (capitalist) societies often harm the potential and attitudes of the individual

  • centrally their ability to look beyond the confines of the society they are in

explain socialism’s view of society as collectivist

• socialists think that individuals are most effective as a unit

• a socialist society is therefore one that encourages collectivism and the idea of being stronger when working together

• this can only happen when collective needs are placed above individual needs