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Edexcel Politics A-Level: Socialism

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What is Socialism?
Socialism is defined by its opposition to capitalism. It aims to provide a clear alternative that is more humane and based on collectivism not individualism, co-operation not competition and social equality not inequality. There is a wide variety of traditions within socialism, with the goal of abolishing or minimising class division.

There are three content areas:
1. Socialism: core ideas and principles
2. Differing views and tensions within socialism
3. Socialist thinkers and their ideas.

Edexcel Politics A-Level: Socialism

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25 Questions

1. Disagreements among socialists - Absolute equality What is it? Supported by who on the basis of ___ Rejected by who on the basis of ___

Equality of welfare accepts that human society is inevitably unequal but also maintains that every individual is entitled to have an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state welfare - Endorsed by social democrats and Third Way as it provides vital safety net for most vunerable - Marxists reject because the provision of welfare does not seek to abolish capitalism and its structural inequalitiesPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

2. Social class 2 - Disagreements Marxist views - How is a persons class determined - Difference between bourgeoisie and proletariat - What is inevitable and when will state wither SD views - What do they accept - Emphasise the need to ___ through ___ -> see the state as ___

Partly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleEquality of welfare accepts that human society is inevitably unequal but also maintains that every individual is entitled to have an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state welfare - Endorsed by social democrats and Third Way as it provides vital safety net for most vunerable - Marxists reject because the provision of welfare does not seek to abolish capitalism and its structural inequalities

3. Third way 1 - Origins and background - Why was it created? - What did it try and formulate? - When did Labour introduce it?

Equality of welfare accepts that human society is inevitably unequal but also maintains that every individual is entitled to have an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state welfare - Endorsed by social democrats and Third Way as it provides vital safety net for most vunerable - Marxists reject because the provision of welfare does not seek to abolish capitalism and its structural inequalitiesPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule

4. Disagreements among socialists - Equality of welfare Description Endorsed by who because Rejected by who because

Equality of welfare accepts that human society is inevitably unequal but also maintains that every individual is entitled to have an equal minimum standard of living guaranteed by state welfare - Endorsed by social democrats and Third Way as it provides vital safety net for most vunerable - Marxists reject because the provision of welfare does not seek to abolish capitalism and its structural inequalitiesDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990s

5. Collectivism 2 / human nature Collectivism rooted in human nature: Humans are what type of animal? Humans have capacity for what? Tied by what kind of bonds How is human nature molded and how can true freedom be achieved

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sEmphasis on collectivism rooted in socialist view of human nature: -> argues that humans are social animals who prefer to live within society than alone -> humans have capacity for collective action and can work together in order to achieve their goals -> Tied by bonds of fraternity -> also argue that human nature is moulded by social conditions and experiences of life which leads socialists to conclude that membership to a community is the gateway to true freedom and fufilmentDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule

6. Common humanity 1 - What is the view on human nature? what would they rather do? - Humans are naturally inclined to ___ - What does coop create? - Human motivation is based on?

Partly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sBelief based on view of human nature -> socialists see humans as social creatures with a tendancy towards co-operation and rationality in that humans prefer to co-operate with eachother rather than compete with eachother - Socialists advocate coop based on this +ve view arguing human are naturally inclined to work together for the common good and such coop efforts are most effective at progressing society - coop creates respect and mutual support between people and acts to channel the capabilities of the whole group over just an individual - Human motivation is not just materialistic and can be driven by attempting to create a society better for not just yourself but the less fortunate tooAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule

7. Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919) 1 - Key ideas

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising1. evolutionary socialism is not possible as capitalism is based on exploitation 2. struggle by the proletariat creates the class-consciousness needed to overthrow capitalist stateDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990s

8. Workers' control 1 - What is it? - Refers to what? - Wider sense ___ - Influences __ - Covers schemes which aim to

Partly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sRefers to the complete or partial ownership of an economic enterprise by those working there - Wider sense means workers control of the state - Influences Marxism and syndicalism - Covers a range of schemes aim to place decision-making power in hands of workers in industriesAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule

9. Marx and Engels 3 - human nature - Like most socialists they view humans as __ - Humans are ___ who can lead what kind of lives - Such conditions are ____ - Only solution is __

Partly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sLike most socialists they view humans as essentially social beings whose behaviour is influenced more by their surroundings than nature - Humans sociable, rational and co-operative who can lead fufilling lives of work and creativity - Such conditions are seen as unable to exist under capitalism and humans cannot realise their true potential - Only solution is a communist society that removes the exploitation and enables humans to achieve self-fufilment and achieve their passionsDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

10. Common ownership 1 3 drawbacks of private property: ?

Drawbacks of private property: 1. As wealth is created by communal effort it should be owned collectively, not by a few 2. Private property encourages materialism and fosters the false belief that wealth brings self-fufilment 3. Private property generates social conflict between upper and lower classesDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990s

11. Beatrice Webb (1858-1943) 1 - Key ideas

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule1. The 'inevitability of gradualness' -> establishing socialism peacefully through established democratic process 2. The expansion of the state will deliver socialismPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

12. C.S Russian Revolution

In 1917 the Russian economy collapsed under the strain of WW1 - Workers' factory committees were established to superwise or replace managers and try and maintain production - Within months these committees controled roughly 40% of the industrial working class - Bolsheviks issued additional powers to the factory committees later that year - Factory committees later merged with trade unions under firm Bolshevik controlPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

13. Overview - Human nature - +ve view regarding humans as ___ -> what determines human behaviour and what would they prefer to do - co-op nature of humans enables what? - What do marxist socialists maintain?

+ve view of human nature regarding people as social, co-operative and rational -> human behaviour is socially determined and people would prefer to work together than against each other - Co-operative nature enables humans to make bonds with eachother and harness the capabilities of the whole society rather than simply the individual - Marxist socialists maintain that the true co-operative and communal nature of humans can be liberated only by the removal of the oppressive capitalist regimeDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

14. Common ownership 2 What do socialists believe should be abolished and to what extents USSR: More moderate socialists have opted for _____

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sDue to the drawbacks of private property socialists come to the conclusion that it should be abolished and replaced by common ownership however the severity of such abolishment is under debate - USSR 1930s Stalin's regime implemented almost complete common ownership through the forced nationalisation of most key industries - More moderate socialists have opted for more limited common ownership through the nationalisation of key industries eg Labour under Attlee 1945-51 nationalising key industries like coal, steel and railways

15. Equality 1 - Different justifications Social equality _______ x3 Reinforcements

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingSocial equality ensures fairness - Economic inequality is seen as caused by capitalist system rather than innate differences in ability - Other socialists maintain that since it is natural to have different attributes, financial inequality is inevitable to some extent Social equality reinforces collectivism - Social equality reinforces collectivism, coop and solidarity within society and the economy - Humans more likely to live harmoniously and work together for the common economic good if they share the same social class and economic conditions - Sweden is very fair with significant redistribution and is good - Inequality encourages conflict and instability Social equality is a means of satisfying basic human needs - Given that all basic needs are homogeneous (food, comradery and shelter) an equal or more equal distribution of wealth promotes fufilment and constains material desires

16. Social democracy - modern day - What was social democracy aiming to balance? - Feasable why? - What changed for social democracy and what options did they have? - What compounded their problems?

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingIn short, social democracy was a balancing act attempting to deliver both economic efficiency and egalitarianism - In the post-war boom decades this was feasable as growth and living standards were rising fast along with tax revenues to cover welfare expenditure - However by the 1970s / 80s unemployment was quickly rising and tax revenues falling leaving social dems with 2 options -> prioritse economic efficiency and cut taxes ultimately at the expense of welfare or prioritse welfare to protect lower paid? - Other factors also increased difficulties for social democracy in the 80s eg transformation into service economy and contraction of working class

17. Collectivism 4 What are the 2 basic criticisms? Why are socialists straying away from collectivism

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sTwo basic criticisms: 1. Because collectivism stresses group action and common interests, some degree of individuality and diversity is surpressed 2. As collectivist objectives can only be achieved through the agency of the state -> state inevitbaly expands and individual freedoms tend to erode - Socialists in recent decades have attached less importance to collectivism due to the dependancy culture it tends to create along with the uncompetative economies

18. Overview - The economy Marxist Social democrat Neo-revisionist

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sMost socialists call for some form of intervention in economic affairs as they maintain capitalist free-market is incapable of fair distribution - Marxists advocate the abolishment of capitalism with a centrally planned economy with common ownership over the means of production - Social democrats accept a degree of free-market capitalism arguing for mixed economy with some nationalised industries and Keynesian style intervention to maintain full employment - Also support welfare policies to redistribute wealth - Neo-revisionists readily accept the free-market believing it to be the most efficient form of wealth creation - Reject intervention as inefficient causing discouraged investment and entrepreneurship - Call for state intervention in form of social investment in education to imporove productivity of labour forceAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

19. Collectivism 3 - difference of opinions - Most socialists call for ___ - 2 differing strands with examples

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingMost socialists call for some form of state intervention and state planning to promote collectivist goals and ensure there is an equitable distribution of g & s - However extent to commitment to collectivism dependant on strand: Marxists: - Advocate collective action through a centralised state which organises almost all production and distribution of resources - eg Russian agriculture under Stalin in 1930s Moderate socialists: - Accept some degree of free-market capitalism as necessary and have pursued collective goals in a more limited way - eg 1945-51 Labour nationalisation of key industries like coal, iron and steel

20. Disagreements among socialists - Equality of opportunity Description '____' Supported by ___ Rejected by ___

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleEquality of opportunity is based on the principle that everyone should have equal chance to make the best of their abilities - 'Level playing field' with no artificial barriers to progress - Supported by social democrats and Third Way on grounds of fairness - Rejected by Marxists as seen as an acceptence of capitalism and its structural inequalities rather than seeking its abolishmentPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

21. Revolutionary socialism 2 - Socialism through revolution is based on what desire? - The capitalists were believed to be so ___ - Revolutionary socialists call for what transformation which inevitably causes __ - eg ___ and ___ - Finallly rev socialists maintain that capitalism cannot be ____

Partly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sSocialism through revolution is based on the desire to overthrow the bourgeois instrument of oppression which had accumulated alot of anger from the working class - It was believed that the capitalists were so entrenched in power through their vast wealth that evolutionary change was too weak - Revolutionary socialists call for a complete societal tranformation and with such a drastic change inevitably comes voilence -> ruling class unlikely to give up dominance without a fight - eg Russia 1918-21 and China 1946-49 - Finally revolutionary socialists maintain that capitalism cannot be 'humanised' and any attempts to do so simply undermine the socialist movementDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilising

22. Workers' control 2 - Justifications 1. Workers control rooted in which views 2. Some socialists as workers 3. Syndicalist viewpoints 4. Workers' control represents a step towards ___

1. Workers' control rooted in views on human nature as it promotes collective effort and the pursuit of group interests 2. Some socialists maintain that they as workers have a right to control the means of production in order to promote equitable pay 3. Syndicalists see the state as a capitalist tool of oppression, consequently calling for it to be forcibly replaced by a form of workers control based on a federation of trade union bodies 4. Workers control can be seen as an important step towards a socialist society, moderate workers' control in a capitalist society (eg increased trade unionism) provides a method of introducing limited social and economic reformPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rule

23. Equality 2 - Debates about how equality should be achieved and what it looks like Ops of x; - Demand ___ - Such equality can only come through ____ - Therefore reject what y: - Call for more limited ___ to achieve ____ - Primary aim ____ - State should ___ - What is necessary?

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleKey debate around how social and economic equality can or should achieved (mainly about role of state) - Revolutionary socialsists, Marxists, demand absolute equality for everyone in terms of material rewards and opportunities -> such equality can only come about through the controlled distribution of g & s, common ownership and abolition of private property -> therefore reject capitalism and the free market and claim revolution needed - Social democrats call for more limited state intervention to achieve relative equality in society via welfare measures and progressive taxation - Primary aim to remove absolute poverty, some inequality would then be tolerated - State should not own the factors of production instead should just aim to minimise the wealth divide - Material incentives seen as necessary for functioning economy

24. Social democracy 1 - intro and endorsements of capitalism When did it emerge? Why does it attempt to reconcile with capitalism 3 assumptions

Disagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class ruleAbsolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingPartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sEmerged after 1945 as western socialist parties embraced electoral politics and began to seek to reform capitalism rather than abolish it - Attempts to reconcile free-market capitalism with state intervention based on 3 assumptions: 1. Although capitalism produces inequality and poverty it is an efficient creator of wealth 2. State intervention in economic and social affairs can protect the public 3. Peaceful and constitutional methods are better ways of bringing change

25. Overview - The state Marxist view Social democratic view Neo-revisionist view

Absolute equality is based on the notion that everyone will recieve the same rewards, providing they make a contribution to society, over time each person will make broadly equal contributions -> approach supported by Marxists as the basis of a communist society -> rejected by the social democrats and the Third way as impractical and destabilisingDisagreements over importance - Marxists tend to emphasise the fundamental role of class politics -> in their analysis a person's class position is determined by their relationship to the means of production -> those who own the means are the bourgeoisie and those selling their labour are proletariat -> due to the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgois state Marxist theory predicts an inevitable revolution will overthrow the bourgeoisie due to this class conflict -> the state will only wither away when the social class differences are replaced by a classless society - Social democrats define social class in more fluid and less extreme terms -> accept there will always be some differences in class -> emphasise the need to narrow (not remove) class differences through targeted state intervention -> see state as a tool to provide welfare and redistribute rather than an instrument of oppressive class rulePartly due to the crisis of social democracy in the 80s -> socialist groups began to revise their ideological stance and move away from traditional social-democratic principles -> new position was described as the 'third way' or 'neo-revisionism' - The position tried to formulate an ideological alternative to traditional social democracy and free market neo-liberalism in the context to modern economy - Introduced by New Labour in the 1990sMarxism regards state as agent of class oppression -> arguing state is used by bourgeoisie under capitalism to assert their dominance over proletariat -> state will wither away once communism establishes classless society - Social democracy argue that limited state intervention in social and economic affairs can humanise capitalism - Neo-revisionists adopt more skeptical view in that they claim state intervention in economy as inefficient and that they should focus on social investment (education)

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❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

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All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com