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Summary Socialism
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This document contains all notes for socialism, including key words and key thinkers. Shows the contrast within socialism and the variety of beliefs with analytical reference.
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Socialism6 core ideas
1. Collectivism
2. Common humanity
3. Equality
4. Common ownership
5. Social class
6. Workers control
Collectivism
It includes principles such as equality, welfare and common ownership. it maintains that humans
can achieve their political, social and economic objectives more effectively through collective action
than through individual effort.
➢ From a moral perspective the interests of a group should take priority over individual self
interest. It encourages social unity and a sense of social responsibility
➢ In practical economic terms, collectivism utilises the capabilities of the whole of society
effecicently.
Rooted in the belief of human nature and fraternity – literally a 'brotherhood' humans are bound
together by common outlook and comradeship and differences due to class and ethnicity are far less
significant.
The criticisms of collectivism is the fact that it emphasises group action and common interests it
therefore suppresses human individuality and diversity. Furthermore collectivist objectives can only
be advanced the state power which leads to the erosion of individual freedoms.
since the 1970s Socialists have attached less importance to collectivism this is due to the growing
perception that it leads to a dependency culture
Common humanity
Socialist humans are social creatures with a tendency towards cooperation, sociability and
rationality. Humans naturally prefer to cooperate with rather than compete against each other.
Socialist generally have a positive view on human nature and believe that competition is wasteful
and promotes social divisions and generates conflict.
However for the economy to function properly most contemporary Socialists accept the need for
some material rewards to motivate people. This is why Socialists believe in state intervention
Equality
The pursuit of social equality or equality of outcome, is arguably the fundamental value of socialism.
➢ Social equality ensures fairness: economic inequality is due to the structure of a capitalist society.
This is why some socialist reject equality of opportunity, whereas other socialist accept it is part of
human nature to have different abilities
➢ Social equality reinforces collectivism: Human beings are more likely to co-exist harmoniously within
society and work together for the common economic good if they share the same social and
economic conditions
➢ Social equality is a means of satisfying basic human needs: given that all peoples basic needs are the
sae such as food, socialists call for equal redistribution
, Debates about equality
A key debate within socialism focuses on the extent to which social and economic equality can or
should be achieved. Revolutionary Socialists such as Marxists demand absolute equality for
everyone in terms of material rewards and life opportunities, this can only be guaranteed by
controlling distribution of goods and services. In contrast Social Democrats called for more limited
state intervention to achieve relative equality within society. Their primary aim is to remove
absolute poverty and if this can be achieved then a certain level of inequality can be tolerated.
Basic to reform instead of abolish capitalism.
Common ownership
Socialists endorse common ownership because they believe private property has several important
drawbacks such as
➢ as wealth is created by the communal endeavour of humans it should be owned collectively
➢ private property encourages materialism and fosters the false belief that achievement of
personal wealth will bring fulfilment
➢ also generates social conflict between have and have not groups such as owners and
workers
Equality of outcome Absolute equality
o Maintains the idea that rewards should be o This is based on the idea that everyone will
based on an individuals contribution receive the same rewards as long as they make
o this will vary from person to person and some a contribution to society
inequality will continue to exist o overtime each person will make a broadly equal
o this tends to be supported by fundamentalist contribution
Socialists that reject capitalism o this approach is supported by Marxists as the
o this opposes the belief held by Social basis of a communist society
Democrats and the 3rd way o it is rejected by Social Democrats and the 3rd
way as it is impractical and potentially
destabilizing
Equality of opportunity Equality of welfare
o This is based on the principle that everyone o Accepts that human society is inevitably
should have an equal chance to make the best unequal
of their abilities o Believes every human is entitled to a minimum
o there should be a level playing field with no standard of living guaranteed by state welfare
artificial barriers to progress for those with o It is endorsed by social democrats and the third
ability, talent and a positive attitude hard work way as it provides a vital safety net
o this approach is supported by Social Democrats o Marxists reject it as it does not seek to remove
and the 3rd way on meritocratic grounds. capitalism or any structural Inequalities
o Rejected by Marxists as doesn’t seek to remove
capitalism and structural inequalities
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