Socialism Essay Plans
To what extent do socialists agree over human nature?
Intro:
Each strand of socialism has a positive view on human nature and believe that humans are social animals who have a common
humanity
However, each strand’s views differ on how human beings are motivated and how human beings should be grouped together
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
All socialists share a positive view of Socialists are divided over how far Socialists disagree over how far our
human nature in that humans are humans are motivated by moral nature is defined by class
‘social animals’ concern for society (collectivism) Marxists argue that there are strictly
All socialists broadly accept that Revolutionary socialists argue people two classes – the proletariat and the
humans naturally prefer are naturally motivated to work for bourgeoise, and that the individual is
cooperation and so can work common good shaped by class circumstance
together in pursuit of shared social Marxism – common humanity – moral These divisions lead to conflict
goal concern for greater good. hostility and resentment which causes
They argue that humans share a When capitalism has been destroyed humans to reject common humanity
‘common humanity’ – people will naturally work hard as the Ultimately, class as a product of
understanding, respect and desire success of a community will depend capitalism has corrupted human
for mutually beneficial support on everyone’s work and they will nature – will fuel dialectical change in
As a result socialists argue that develop a sense of responsibility for form of revolution
cooperation is a natural and the least fortunate Marx argues that man has become
intrinsic aspect of human nature Marx argued that capitalism has individualistic because capitalism has
Marx and Engels saw common created a false consciousness, when corrupted them – ‘false
humanity being a defining feature this is destroyed, man will work in consciousness’
of human’s original nature cooperation and harmony Social Democrats downplay the
Social democrats and Third Way importance of class
socialists argue that financial Anthony Crosland criticises Marx’s
incentive is needed views on capitalism and says they are
Social democracy views humans both outdated – class no longer
individualistic and social – therefore determines values, culture, or
they need material awards to aspiration
promote them Third Way rejects class-based politics
Third Way challenged the view that and focuses on politics of inclusion
collective action and individualism are (e.g. through advocating social
mutually exclusive – society should equality for marginalised ethnic
work towards social goals but that groups, women, and homosexuals)
should leave room for ambition and Anthony Giddens argues for
aspiration of the individual communitarianism – sees the 21st
centuries being post-class saying that
communities are the main way
humans group themselves now
To what extent do socialists agree about the economy?
To what extent do socialists agree over human nature?
Intro:
Each strand of socialism has a positive view on human nature and believe that humans are social animals who have a common
humanity
However, each strand’s views differ on how human beings are motivated and how human beings should be grouped together
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
All socialists share a positive view of Socialists are divided over how far Socialists disagree over how far our
human nature in that humans are humans are motivated by moral nature is defined by class
‘social animals’ concern for society (collectivism) Marxists argue that there are strictly
All socialists broadly accept that Revolutionary socialists argue people two classes – the proletariat and the
humans naturally prefer are naturally motivated to work for bourgeoise, and that the individual is
cooperation and so can work common good shaped by class circumstance
together in pursuit of shared social Marxism – common humanity – moral These divisions lead to conflict
goal concern for greater good. hostility and resentment which causes
They argue that humans share a When capitalism has been destroyed humans to reject common humanity
‘common humanity’ – people will naturally work hard as the Ultimately, class as a product of
understanding, respect and desire success of a community will depend capitalism has corrupted human
for mutually beneficial support on everyone’s work and they will nature – will fuel dialectical change in
As a result socialists argue that develop a sense of responsibility for form of revolution
cooperation is a natural and the least fortunate Marx argues that man has become
intrinsic aspect of human nature Marx argued that capitalism has individualistic because capitalism has
Marx and Engels saw common created a false consciousness, when corrupted them – ‘false
humanity being a defining feature this is destroyed, man will work in consciousness’
of human’s original nature cooperation and harmony Social Democrats downplay the
Social democrats and Third Way importance of class
socialists argue that financial Anthony Crosland criticises Marx’s
incentive is needed views on capitalism and says they are
Social democracy views humans both outdated – class no longer
individualistic and social – therefore determines values, culture, or
they need material awards to aspiration
promote them Third Way rejects class-based politics
Third Way challenged the view that and focuses on politics of inclusion
collective action and individualism are (e.g. through advocating social
mutually exclusive – society should equality for marginalised ethnic
work towards social goals but that groups, women, and homosexuals)
should leave room for ambition and Anthony Giddens argues for
aspiration of the individual communitarianism – sees the 21st
centuries being post-class saying that
communities are the main way
humans group themselves now
To what extent do socialists agree about the economy?
