socialism: introduction

utopianism: belief in unlimited possibilities of human development, typically embodied in vision of perfect/ideal society, a utopia

communism: principle of common ownership of wealth, or system of comprehensive collectivisation; communism is often viewed as ‘marxism in practice’

• branch of socialism

social democracy: moderate/reformist brand socialism, favours balance between market + state, rather than abolition of capitalism

fraternity: brotherhood; bonds of comradeship between/among humans

origins and background

• socialism traditionally defined as being opposed to capitalism

• can be divided into 2 main branches

• revolutionary socialism - derived from marx and engels; furthered by Rosa Luxemborg

• Evolutionary socialism

  • Democratic socialism – articulated by Beatrice Webb

  • Social democracy – influenced by Anthony Crosland

  • Third Way – based on ideas of Anthony Giddens

historical overview

• origins lie in 19th century

  • reaction against social/economic conditions generated in europe by growing industrial capitalism

  • linked to development of new + growing class of industrial workers who suffered poverty

  • socialism emerged as critique of liberal market society + defined by attempt to offer alternative to industrial capitalism

• early socialism influenced by harsh/inhuman conditions faced by industrial working class

  • early socialist’s quite radical - fourier (france) and owen (uk) subscribed to utopianism in founding experimental communities

  • marx and engels developed more complex theories suggesting overthrow of capitalism was inevitable

• character of socialism changes in late 19th century as there’s gradual improvement in the living conditions of the working class + improvements in political democracy

  • growth of trade unions, working class political parties, sports & social clubs - provide greater economic security + integrate working class into industrial society

  • by WW1 socialist sphere divided between socialist parties that had sought power at ballot box, preaching reform; and those that proclaimed continuing need for revolution

• 20th century saw spread of socialist ideas into africa, asia, and latin america where industrial capitalism didn’t exist

  • developed in these countries out of colonialism with class exploitation replaced with colonial oppression - thus seeing fusion of socialism + nationalism

• since late 20th century socialism has suffered many reverses – collapse of communism (1989-91) saw socialists embrace ideas more commonly associated w liberalism or conservatism as opposed to embracing western social democracy