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Edexcel notes for socialism
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Notes for a level socialism including all key themes and a one paragraph plan thats A* level
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NON CORE IDEALOGIES 02/03/2021SOCIALISM
THE ORIGINS KEY THINKERS
Both socialism and liberalism have in Karl Marx (1818–83) and Friedrich
Revolutionary
common: Engels (1820–95)
socialists: Take an optimistic view of Beatrice Webb (1858–1943)
human nature Rosa Luxemburg (1871–1919)
Exalt reason over faith and Anthony Crosland (1918–77)
superstition Anthony Giddens (1938– )
Are 'progressive' - they believe in
the possibility of reform and are
always ready to challenge the
status quo KEY THEMES
DEmocratic Share a desire to liberate
socialists human beings from oppression
Believe in 'foundational' equality Common humanity
- men and women are born Collectivism
equal and deserve equal Equality
opportunities in life Social class
Reject the 'traditional state' Workers’ control
(defined by monarchial The State
absolutism and the divine right Economy
social
of rulers).
democracy Reject anarchism - in other
words, both believe a certain
type of state can secure
significant progress in terms of
freedom and foundational
equality.
Third way
, CORE IDEALOGIES 02/03/2021
THE ECONOMY
Socialists have always argued that equality 2. And arising from the rejection of laissez- faire, socialists
of opportunity was precluded by the demand greater collectivism.
inequalities existing between social this perspective on the economy claims to focus on the
common
classes. needs of society as a whole rather than on the abilities of
ownership:
key socialists from Marx and Engels a few enterprising individuals, as with economic liberalism.
This represents an
alternative to both private onwards, have argued that social class is for socialists, economic collectivism can take various forms
property and a capitalist determined by the economic system for example:
economy, and a method of
underpinning society. It has therefore - Progressive taxation, whereby the state extracts wealth
ownership seen by (many
socialists) as conducive to been impossible for socialists to address from its citizens but on a 'sliding scale', so that the richer
equality and fraternity. It is
the fundamental issue of inequality within classes contribute much more than the poorer classes.
synonymous with state
ownership and public society without addressing the structure of - Progressive public spending, whereby the state uses the
ownership the economy. economic resources it has acquired (via taxation) in a way
Socialists have recognized that an that enhances the less fortunate elements of society — for
economic system based upon private example, via state benefits to the unemployed or elderly.
property and capitalism - as opposed to - Extensive public services, whereby the state uses its yield
common ownership - can be hugely from taxation to guarantee key public services, such as
problematic. health care and education. Socialists claim that if left
Socialists believe that the natural condition entirely to private enterprise, such services might prove
of mankind is one of cooperation and inaccessible to less advantaged sections of society.
fraternity. These are threatened by both
private property and capitalism, which are - Extensive state regulation of capitalism, exemplified by
said to encourage competitiveness, various state regulations designed to prevent exploitation
ruthless egotism and the callous pursuit of by the economy's richer and more powerful elements. A
self interest. legal minimum wage for employees, equal pay legislation,
Free market capitalism also generates health and safety directives, and guarantees of maternity
huge inequalities of outcome, which for leave are examples of such regulation that socialism
socialists of course are incompatible with would applaud.
equality of opportunity, self determination - State/common ownership, recommended when private
and social justice. enterprise is seen to fail parts (or all) of the economy, with
Socialism seeks to rectify the problems grievous consequences for society and its more vulnerable
caused by capitalism by bringing in an citizens. The original Clause IV of the UK Labour Party's
economy that provides greater workers constitution initially championed by socialists like Beatrice
control in employment, and a significant Webb (1858— 1943) (see key thinker 3' box) — was a
redistribution of wealth and resources controversial expression of this belief in a more collectivist
within the economy generally. economy, while the post-war nationalisation of industries such
Socialism is routinely described by its as coal, iron and steel is an example of it being given effect.
proponents as a 'redistributionist' As well as its primary aim, of redistributing a society's wealth
doctrine practicing what Tony Benn and resources, socialism believes that economic collectivism
1925-2014 described as 'the politics of has two other benefits. First, progressive taxation, increased
Robin Hood- taking from the rich and public spending, extensive public services and sometimes
then giving to the poor. public ownership are seen as expressions of a more fraternal,
For socialists the 'redistribution' of wealth
more cooperative society with greater social justice. Second,
will usually involve 2 principles
such collectivist policies are thought to make the economy
1. An emphatic rejection of the laissez -
more efficient. As Marx and Engels were the first to point out,
faire capitalism advocated by classical
capitalism and market forces are inherently volatile and
and neoliberalism, whereby market forces
unpredictable — causing, for instance, periodic mass
are given free rein by state that is
unemployment. A more collectivist economy, it is argued, will
disengaged and minimalistic in relation to
be more stable and manageable, and therefore more likely to
a societys economy.
provide the material resources society needs.
According to socialism, an economy where
there is low taxation and little state
interference will be one where unfairness and
social injustice is exacerbated.
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