The core ideas of socialism
These are the building blocks every strand draws on. They also give you the themes for an essay: collectivism, common humanity, equality, common ownership and class.
What socialists broadly agree on
- Social structures shape individuals and human nature.
- The power of capitalism needs to be changed.
- Society needs greater equality.
- Class is central to understanding society.
- A belief in common humanity, community and collectivism.
- People can change society; a good society produces good people.
Collectivism›
Collective human action is morally and practically better than individual self-striving. It strengthens social bonds and replaces wasteful competition with co-operation, benefiting both the individual and society.
Why support it? Humans are social creatures who solve problems best together, tied to one another by common humanity. How? Through nationalisation, common ownership, trade unions, the co-operative movement, and redistributive taxation.
Where they split: revolutionary socialists want full common ownership; social democrats accept a mixed economy with welfare; the Third Way has largely moved towards individualism.
Common humanity›
An optimistic, flexible view of human nature. We are moulded by society, so nurture matters more than nature. People can change and improve, and behaviour tells us more about society than about fixed human nature.
Marx and species-being: there is no fixed human nature; we develop by working on the world, and we are naturally creative and co-operative until capitalism corrupts this.
Where they split: the Third Way leans towards communitarianism, asking people to take responsibility for themselves and their community, rather than relying only on common humanity.
Equality›
The central socialist goal. Inequality is caused by society, not by nature, and it breeds conflict and waste. The argument is about how far equality should go.
Revolutionary absolute equality of outcome. Social democracy relative equality of outcome through welfare and redistribution (Crosland). Third Way equality of opportunity and social inclusion (Giddens).
Common ownership and private property›
Socialists object to private property as unjust, morally corrupting and divisive. Common ownership promotes solidarity and equality, and reflects that wealth is produced collectively.
Forms: nationalisation of the means of production, workers' co-operatives, and syndicalism.
Where they split: recent socialism has drifted away from common ownership; the Third Way accepts private enterprise and treats ownership as far less important.
Social class›
Society is structured by class, which is rooted in the economy and the mode of production. This is historical materialism: the economic base shapes the social superstructure.
Where they split: revolutionary socialists want to abolish class through class consciousness; social democrats reduce class inequality; the Third Way treats class as less important and focuses on social inclusion.
How far do they agree on each idea?
| Core idea | Revolutionary | Social democracy | Third Way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equality | Absolute equality of outcome. | Relative equality of outcome via redistribution. | Equality of opportunity and inclusion. |
| Collectivism | Full common ownership. | Mixed economy and welfare. | Largely individualist and communitarian. |
| Capitalism | Abolish it. | Manage and humanise it. | Embrace and use it. |
| Class | Abolish class through revolution. | Reduce class inequality. | Class matters less; focus on inclusion. |