A-Level Edexcel Politics Paper 1 core ideologies summary of beliefs of key thinkers - all 15 key thinkers of the core ideologies (socialism, conservatism, liberalism) and their beliefs on the state, the economy, society and human nature
John Locke Mary Wollstonecraft John Stuart Mill John Rawls Betty Friedan
Human nature Humans are rational, The idea that humans are Fundamentally rational, Humans are empathetic to Both women and men are
though guided by their rational should be applied but not fixed: it is forever the plight of others, rational
self-interest to both men and women progressing Rationalism a though mindful of their
Egoistical individualism – potential feature of HN to own self-interest
individuals are self- be developed by
interested, but, because of enlightened liberal
their rationality, seek to authorities.
create harmony and will
respect the freedom and
liberty of others
State Idea of social contract – State should legislate to Some state intervention State should continue to
government can only rule help women necessary to achieve legislate to help women
by consent of the people equality for all
Society Society has held women Humans in society should Men are chauvinistic
back be free to do whatever towards women, and this
they want, unless it harms has held them back
others – ‘harm principle’
Economy Some control of the Free-market economy Free market economy Some intervention Free market economy
economy can be good would be boosted by the necessary to allow all could be an aid to female
enterprise of women people to thrive emancipation etc
Liberalism
Individualism – the primacy of the individual in society over any group – to cover egoistical individualism and developmental individualism
Freedom/liberty – the ability and right to make decisions in your own interests based on your view of human nature – to cover how liberals guarantee individual
freedom, the link between freedom and individualism, that freedom is ‘under the law’
State – it is ‘necessary’ to avoid disorder, but ‘evil’ as it has potential to remove individual liberty, thus should be limited; this is linked to the liberal view of the
economy
Rationalism – the belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic – to cover how rationalism underpins an individual’s ability to define their
own best interests and make their own moral choices, creating a progressive society
Equality/social justice – the belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society – to cover foundational and
formal equality, and equality of opportunity
, Liberal democracy – a democracy that balances the will of the people, as shown through elections, with limited government (state) and a respect for civil liberties in
society – to cover why liberals support it as well as why they are concerned about it.
Socialism
Marx + Engels – Rosa Luxemburg – Beatrice Webb – Anthony Crosland – Anthony Giddens – Third
Revolutionary socialist Revolutionary socialist Evolutionary Socialist Social Democrat Way Socialist
Human nature HN has suffered massively HN has suffered massively HN not completely HN can exist alongside HN can thrive under a
under capitalism under capitalism – though damaged by capitalism. elements of capitalism. capitalist system. More
(deformed). With it likely not as much as M Capitalism can be Same as Webb educated workforce would
abolished, common and E think. reformed and harnessed improve life prospects.
humanity will flourish as for the greater good to Also idea that humans
people will no longer be improve human condition have a sharpened sense of
held back by capitalism individual aspiration
State State is a tool of capitalist A tool of capitalist The state will bring about A fairer distribution of Minimal state intervention
oppression. It reinforced oppression – similar to socialism. Nature of state wealth through a welfare and a free market
capitalist values via laws, Marx could be altered from state which would narrow economy. Investment in
police, and army. serving capitalism to class division. Critical of education is key basis of
Revolution is inevitable to delivering socialism. collectivisation as it would the redistribution of
rectify these problems Socialist state would bring compromise the freedom possibilities and equality
nationalisation, equality of of the individual of opportunity
outcome and a welfare
state that would narrow
class division
Society Workforces should own all Same as M and E Cooperative federalism – An exist alongside Society can be gradually
means of production businesses owned by their elements of capitalism – improved and believe
collectively; collective customers who would less invested in the idea of improvements can occur
common ownership would have a say in decision collective ownership alongside private property
end poverty and class making and receive and capitalism
conflict. Society is so dividends from profit;
hostile to socialist values trade unions essential to
that only a revolution can prevent workers decisions
provide the necessary being overlooked.
shock Society can be ‘gradually’
improved and socialist
values gradually more
entrenched, by a series of
reforms that gradually
curtail private ownership
Economy Need to get rid of Need to get rid of Evolve away from Elements of capitalism Neo-liberal economy,
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