Socialism:
Believed "what individuals are depends on the material conditions of their production" - History involves "a continuous transformation of human nature"
Centrality of social class. Capitalism creates two conflicted economic classes- the bourgeoisie (ruling class, own and mange economy) and proletariat (sell labour to bourgeoisie in return for wages)
Harsh inequalities of wealth and power, and exploitation of proletariat.
State would always serve the interests of whichever class controlled the economy. Liberal state 'merely a committee' for the ruling class, never provide an evolutionary road to socialism.
Capitalist societies unstable, and would eventually be overthrown by a 'historically inevitable' proletariat revolution
After revolution, a new state would emerge-'the dictatorship of the proletariat', then this alternative state would wither away and be replaced by a stateless, classless society, involving common ownership.
Luxemburg - "A capitalist state promotes exploitation and is at odds with humanity's natural, fraternal instincts."
Rejected 'dictatorship of the proletariat', advocated immediate construction of a new democracy.
"The wall of Capitalism is only strengthened and consolidated by the development of social reforms. Only the hammer blow of revolution, that is the conquest of political power by the proletariat, can break down this wall."
Webb - "Capitalism is the principle cause of crippling poverty and demeaning inequality"
Capitalism the principle cause of inequality and poverty.
Reform gradual not revolutionary; 'the inevitability of gradualism'
Neither paternalism or philanthropy could solve poverty and inequality; could be solved through trade unionism and state intervention.
1905-1909
Examined State's approach to poverty
Minority Report: Education, Living Wage, Disabled, Healthcare
Anticipated Beveridge Report (1942) which was implemented by Labour after 1945
"The state should guarantee a national minimum of civilized life...sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick ,and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged."
Crosland - Steady expansion of the welfare state; community inequality and advance socialism Advocated more public spending and better public services rather than public ownership.
"If its the last thing I do, I'm going to destroy every ****ing grammar school in England. And Wales. And Northern Ireland."
Giddens - Corrosive effects of capitalism and individualism on community and fraternity
"The new mixed economy looks for a synergy of the public and private sectors."
“all welfare states create problems of dependency, interest-group formation and fraud.” Can be linked to New Labour policy of Job Seekers Allowance as opposed to the dole!
"Why shouldn't the super rich be forced to help the super poor?"
Conservatism:
the state arises 'contractually' from individuals who seek order and security
to serve its purpose the state must be autocratic and powerful
there can be no society until the creation of a state brings order and authority to human affairs - life until then is 'nasty, brutish and short'
Oakeshott - "society's present direction stems from its past development" - tradition and habit are important.
"a known good is not surrendered for an unknown better"
"Money is the barometer of a society's value"
"the small state is the strong state"
Nozick - "tax, for the most part, is theft"
"Oakeshott mentality" was "lazy" Nozick- believed Oakeshott's nautical metaphor was too fatalistic and undermined the ability of individuals to shape their own circumstances. Nozick argued this kind of reasoning left socialist ideas unchallenged
His libertarian ideas led towards him favouring the decriminalisation of victimless crime such as drug consumption - this is at odds with strong state conservatives.
"taxation of earning from labour is on a par with forced labour"
"no state more extensive than the most minimal state can be justified"
