Socialism

Question 1

Three ways Socialist thinkers view human nature

Answer 1

Marx - Das Kapital. Human nature corroded by capitalism, created a false consciousness and removed humans from their natural state. Human nature is malleable. Capitalist society promotes unnatural human greed. Advocated to overthrow bourgeoisie which would remove class differences and allow individuals to develop. State wither away, and humans can coexist
Webb - human nature is subject to change due to capitalism and poverty. Fabian society wanted to tackle poverty via a welfare state, pre-dated Beveridge report. Gradual change is needed to eradicate capitalism, and shape humans back to their selfless and cooperative nature
Giddens - Renewal of the Third Way. Humans are selfless but there is a degree of self-interest, influencing his view on the free market economy. Advocated heavy public spending to enhance human nature - humanity is malleable.

Question 2

Three ways Socialist thinkers view the state

Answer 2

Marx and Engels - Liberal state is exploitative, run by and for capitalism. Class system incapable of reform. New state would control all aspects of business. Re-educate citizens. State wither away
Webb - State gradually transforms society into socialism. State changes once socialists have been democratically chosen. Rejects revolution
Giddens - State work better for WC. Decentralisation of power and increase local decisions (communitarianism.) No nationalisation, closer relationships between govt and private enterprise. Influenced devolution under Blair

Question 3

Three ways Socialist thinkers view society

Answer 3

Marx - Revolution needed. Society dominated by class differences and conflict. Only a true communist society can be fair and equal (classless)
Webb - capitalist society creates poverty. Rejects philantrophy. State focus on root cause of poverty in society to help improve equality.
Crossland - MP, abolished grammar schools. Queried Marx’s class divide. ‘Them and us’ mentality. Equalising life chances through education would create a fairer society

Question 4

Three ways Socialist thinkers view the economy

Answer 4

Marx - Marx saw the economy as structured around class struggle, especially between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Capitalism exploiting labourers. Argued that workers create all economic value, but capitalists extract “surplus value” as profit, leading to inequality. Marx advocated for the abolition of private ownership
Luxemburg - Capitalist economies depend on imperialism and expansion. She promoted direct democratic control of the economy by the working class. Argued that capitalism couldn’t be reformed; socialism must come through revolutionary action.
Giddens - Free market tempered with intervention, maintain capitalism and address inequality. Giddens promotes investing in education, skills, and infrastructure to empower citizens economically.

Question 5

Three ways Socialist thinkers view equality

Answer 5

Marx - Marx believed true equality could only be achieved by eliminating class divisions. Economic equality number 1.
Webb - The state should play a central role in reducing inequality through laws, welfare, and economic planning. Supported the idea that people should have equal chances to succeed.
Giddens - giving everyone a fair start in life via education. Policies must reduce poverty and exclusion without undermining innovation or competitiveness.

Question 6

Three ways Socialist thinkers view class

Answer 6

Mark - communist manifesto. Divisions maintain capitalist structures. Bourgeoise oppresses the proletariat - causes conflict, inevitable. Dictatorship of the proletariat. Influenced by views that state will wither away and society will become classless
Webb - Middle classes support socialism and believe in importance of lessening class divisions. Gradualism once workers are enfranchised. Influence on Attlee’s 1945-51 premiership.
Giddens - Third Way 1997. Class divisions = important. Necessary but should be lessened. Divisions = incentive. Inequality is necessary, eradicate poverty. Influenced views on meritocratic society. Blair = welfare and EMA’s