A Level Politics Political Ideas:
Socialism Exam
Q&A
To What extent do socialists agree over Human Nature? 24 Marks - answer-Para 1:
Common Humanity
Para 2: Collectivism and the role of the state/economy
Para 1 Common Humanity VS Rev Soc Disagree - answer-•Common humanity.
Humans are social, rational, naturally cooperative, and fraternal.
•Human nature is malleable, not fixed. It can be shaped by society and the economy.
•Most strands accept, and even the Third Way concede, that unrestrained capitalism
can cause problems for human nature, fostering selfishness, greed, and exploitation.
COUNTER
•Revolutionary Socialists argue that capitalism corrupts completely (historical
materialism), and it must be removed to restore human nature. Only a revolution can
restore human nature.
•Tension WITHIN Revolutionary Socialists, as Luxemburg argues that common
humanity survives despite capitalism.
•Evolutionary Socialists go against the idea of a revolution, as it can do more harm than
good to human nature. Capitalism must be removed, but the state must survive as it is
more than a tool of oppression.
•Social Democracy and the Third Way believe it is too simplistic to blame capitalism
(they reject historical materialism). It can unlock positive features of human nature, such
as innovation, aspiration and productivity. Capitalism can therefore be reformed and
harnessed.
Para 2: Collectivism and the role of the state/economy - answer-•Consensus that
human nature is fraternal and cooperative, very much in the spirit of common ownership
and collectivism as humans will pursue a more equal society.
•Marx sees collectivism in its purest form: communism.
•Strands of Evolutionary Socialism reference collectivism too, in terms of collective
federalism (Webb), the mixed economy, and welfare state (Social Democracy).
•All strands of Evolutionary Socialism see an important role for the state, especially
Democratic Socialists and Social Democracy. But even the Third Way wants to provide
equal opportunity, dispersal of power to regions (devolution), and enhance human rights
to protect against the power of the government.
COUNTER
, •Revolutionary socialists believe the state must be removed because it is a tool of
oppression.
•Tension WITHIN Rev Soc since Luxemburg believed that democracy was needed to
prevent human nature being corrupted by power (totalitarian dictatorship).
•Soc Dem believe that increasing tax, progressively, and wealth re-distribution through
welfare will allow common humanity to be restored.
•TW accepts that human nature has adapted to a capitalist society. The post-Fordism
economy is atomised and individualistic. The TW promotes communitarianism and the
freedom to become wealthy but with a social responsibility to provide opportunity for all.
•TW economy therefore embraces capitalism, lowering taxation levels will lead to
increased tax revenues by attracting investment into the country.
To What extent do socialists agree over Society? 24 Marks - answer-Para 1: Equal
Society VS Extent of Equal Society
Para 2: Collectivism VS Balance between individualism and Collectivism
Para 1: Equal Society VS Extent of Equal Society - answer-Given belief in common
humanity + plasticity of human nature, enhancing society to make it more equal
paramount. Stems from belief that equality is inherently fair, fosters collective spirit,
enables satisfaction of individual need.
Equality - tackles injustice - means society where everyone can thrive.
Encourages sense of collectivism/solidarity - individuals are interconnected/mutually
dependent, equal society cultivates altruistic ethos. Links to USSR Collectives
Better Meets needs of Society: More equal distribution of resources/opportunity helps
individuals meet material/emotional needs - leads to better wellbeing.
COUNTER - EXTENT OF EQUAL SOCIETY
Marx: Rapid transformation towards equal society. Private property should be
abolished, social change achieved quickly through revolution + dictatorship of
proletariat. Society must undo systemic change - to dismantle societal structures. Links
to Lenin's revolution of Russia
Webb: Incremental approach to achieving equality. Patience + steady implementation of
reforms - society moves towards greater equality of outcome. Lasting change can be
better achieved through progressive reforms rather than upheaval.
Crosland: Similar to Webb BUT greater focus on equality of outcome. Society where
social and economic disparities minimised + resources distributed more fairly. Reform
capitalism.
Giddens: Prioritise equality of opportunity - ensuring individuals have a chance to
succeed based on talent and effort. Less concerned with achieving absolute equality of
outcome and is more individualistic in nature.
Socialism Exam
Q&A
To What extent do socialists agree over Human Nature? 24 Marks - answer-Para 1:
Common Humanity
Para 2: Collectivism and the role of the state/economy
Para 1 Common Humanity VS Rev Soc Disagree - answer-•Common humanity.
Humans are social, rational, naturally cooperative, and fraternal.
•Human nature is malleable, not fixed. It can be shaped by society and the economy.
•Most strands accept, and even the Third Way concede, that unrestrained capitalism
can cause problems for human nature, fostering selfishness, greed, and exploitation.
COUNTER
•Revolutionary Socialists argue that capitalism corrupts completely (historical
materialism), and it must be removed to restore human nature. Only a revolution can
restore human nature.
•Tension WITHIN Revolutionary Socialists, as Luxemburg argues that common
humanity survives despite capitalism.
•Evolutionary Socialists go against the idea of a revolution, as it can do more harm than
good to human nature. Capitalism must be removed, but the state must survive as it is
more than a tool of oppression.
•Social Democracy and the Third Way believe it is too simplistic to blame capitalism
(they reject historical materialism). It can unlock positive features of human nature, such
as innovation, aspiration and productivity. Capitalism can therefore be reformed and
harnessed.
Para 2: Collectivism and the role of the state/economy - answer-•Consensus that
human nature is fraternal and cooperative, very much in the spirit of common ownership
and collectivism as humans will pursue a more equal society.
•Marx sees collectivism in its purest form: communism.
•Strands of Evolutionary Socialism reference collectivism too, in terms of collective
federalism (Webb), the mixed economy, and welfare state (Social Democracy).
•All strands of Evolutionary Socialism see an important role for the state, especially
Democratic Socialists and Social Democracy. But even the Third Way wants to provide
equal opportunity, dispersal of power to regions (devolution), and enhance human rights
to protect against the power of the government.
COUNTER
, •Revolutionary socialists believe the state must be removed because it is a tool of
oppression.
•Tension WITHIN Rev Soc since Luxemburg believed that democracy was needed to
prevent human nature being corrupted by power (totalitarian dictatorship).
•Soc Dem believe that increasing tax, progressively, and wealth re-distribution through
welfare will allow common humanity to be restored.
•TW accepts that human nature has adapted to a capitalist society. The post-Fordism
economy is atomised and individualistic. The TW promotes communitarianism and the
freedom to become wealthy but with a social responsibility to provide opportunity for all.
•TW economy therefore embraces capitalism, lowering taxation levels will lead to
increased tax revenues by attracting investment into the country.
To What extent do socialists agree over Society? 24 Marks - answer-Para 1: Equal
Society VS Extent of Equal Society
Para 2: Collectivism VS Balance between individualism and Collectivism
Para 1: Equal Society VS Extent of Equal Society - answer-Given belief in common
humanity + plasticity of human nature, enhancing society to make it more equal
paramount. Stems from belief that equality is inherently fair, fosters collective spirit,
enables satisfaction of individual need.
Equality - tackles injustice - means society where everyone can thrive.
Encourages sense of collectivism/solidarity - individuals are interconnected/mutually
dependent, equal society cultivates altruistic ethos. Links to USSR Collectives
Better Meets needs of Society: More equal distribution of resources/opportunity helps
individuals meet material/emotional needs - leads to better wellbeing.
COUNTER - EXTENT OF EQUAL SOCIETY
Marx: Rapid transformation towards equal society. Private property should be
abolished, social change achieved quickly through revolution + dictatorship of
proletariat. Society must undo systemic change - to dismantle societal structures. Links
to Lenin's revolution of Russia
Webb: Incremental approach to achieving equality. Patience + steady implementation of
reforms - society moves towards greater equality of outcome. Lasting change can be
better achieved through progressive reforms rather than upheaval.
Crosland: Similar to Webb BUT greater focus on equality of outcome. Society where
social and economic disparities minimised + resources distributed more fairly. Reform
capitalism.
Giddens: Prioritise equality of opportunity - ensuring individuals have a chance to
succeed based on talent and effort. Less concerned with achieving absolute equality of
outcome and is more individualistic in nature.
