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To what extent do socialists agree on the nature of society?
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To what extent do socialists agree on the nature of society?On the whole, it can be argued that socialists tend to agree on the importance of society in
underpinning much of human nature due to our malleability and willingness to adapt to our
surroundings. Thus it is argued that society is of significance amongst all socialists; however,
what society should look like certainly differs amongst all socialists which can be most
obviously shown when exploring the ideas of class, equality, and collectivism.
One way in which there is a sense of broad agreement regarding the nature of society is with
respect to the importance of class and the harmful effects class divisions breed. Amongst all
socialists it can be said there is a desire to reduce class division as this harms the harmonious
nature of society. For example, revolutionaries such as Marx spoke of the history of class
struggle and saw this as the foundation for understanding the world (dialectical materialism). As
a result, due to the effects of the class struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie Marx
thought a revolution was inevitable through which class division could be removed. Similarly,
social democrats such as Webb recognised the importance of class within society, in particular
Webb focused much of her work onto the working class and wanted to improve their economic
situation to create social class equality.
However, it must be said that the importance of class within society is in fact an area of much
disagreement. This can be most obviously shown by the fact that Marx sought to create an
entirely classless society and disapproved of the idea of a class-based society. This can be shown
by Marx’s scientific determinism which describes what will occur when the proletariat become
class conscious and subsequently revolt against the bourgeoisie, which will lead to a classless
society to be created. Alternatively, social democrats moved away from this idea and did not
seek to create a society in which class was entirely eradicated, instead they sought to simply
improve the economic status of the working class. For example, Webb recognised that the
working class were being exploited and promoted the idea of inevitability of gradualness in
which socialism could be introduced to society via the ballot box. For example, Webb promoted
the idea of clause IV which would give workers a stake in the production of the goods they
create. Alternatively, third way thinkers such as Giddens entirely moved away from this idea and
instead focused emphasis on improving the economic situation of everyone. This is largely due
to the role of de-industrialisation which has paved the way for class dealignment and led the
importance of social class to wane. For example, Crosland introduced the idea of comprehensive
schools which would enable a more effective education system for all, which contrasts to social
democrat’s ideas which placed sole emphasis on the working class.
Another key area in the underpinning of society is the importance of collectivism which is based
upon socialist belief regarding human nature. Amongst all socialists there is a general acceptance
of the idea of common humanity in that humans are innately cooperative beings which strive to
bind together. Thus all socialists seek to create a society based upon collectivism as this is more
effective than one based on individualism which serves to divide individuals rather than unite.
Moreover, it can be said that all socialists recognise the harmful effects unchecked capitalism has
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