essay: "to what extent do socialists agree on the concept of equality?"

intro:

• all socialists agree that equality is significant as it enables humans to work together cooperatively and harmoniously, encouraging social cohesion n fraternity

• disagreement is over the definition of equality and therefore what can be done to achieve it, as well as to what degree of equality is necessary/plausible

• main aim of revolutionary socialists = absolute equality » equality of outcome

• main aim of social democracy = greater social n economic equality

• main aim of Third Way = social justice/equality of opportunity

p1 »mostly disagree: the environment in which equality is believed to be plausible differs between the strands of equality

• rev socialists/Marxists:

  • classless, stateless society

  • marx would say equality must be based on the principle ‘from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.’

    • absolute equality can only be brought about by the abolition of private property n common ownership of productive wealth

    • eradicate socio-economic inequality » everyone entitled to equal rewards of labour, dismissal of variety ability-based outcomes

    • most radical form of equality, suggesting that equality is at the heart of the way society is designed

• social democrats:

  • Anthony Crosland: managed Capitalist economy, state intervention = best way for fairer society

    • universal benefits

    • eg State education, public housing, etc

• third way:

  • Anthony Giddens:

    • state intervention = culture of dependency

    • competitive state required to develop skills n knowledge ∴ boosting job prospects n economic growth

p2: »mostly disagree: the extent of equality believed to be plausible n helpful

• social democrats:

  • instead of committing to a fully equal society, they seek to just reduce inequality » greater social n economic equality

• third way:

  • have redefined many socialist ideas, progress for equality as inclusion or equality of opportunity

  • allow individuals the choice to utilise the govt for their own success

  • welfare should be a ‘hand up, not a handout’ » Tony Blair, invested in schools, hospitals + tax credits for the poorest

revolutionary socialism/communism:

• absolute equality

p3: all socialists agree on the primary aims of equality

• equality is the defining feature of socialism

• social inequality encourages rivalry, resentment and social divisions

• socialists reject the claim that inequality of wealth reflects innate differences of ability among individuals

• socialists believe that foundational, formal equality (equal rights n equality in the eyes of the law) and equality of opportunity are fundamental but not sufficient for an equal society

• aim of equality of outcome is to eliminate economic inequalities

• equal treatment by society

• socialists believe that equality is the only genuine way to ensure human needs are met » distributing wealth on the basis of need-satisfaction is the only way to organise society