Revisionist Socialism:
- Socialism can be achieved without the destruction of capitalism and private property and without the upheaval of a revolution. An evolutionary form of socialism. Associated with Edward Bernstein post war social democracy and the third way.
Classical
Revisionism:
- After Marx died people noted that life was becoming better. Capitalism was not all bad. Was there a need for revolution?
- Give the vote to working class men and then governments will have to ensure that more is done to help the working class. Improving conditions for workers
- All of this would curb the inequalities of a capitalist society, whilst eliminating the need for revolution.
- Bernstein endorsed many ideas that were promised by early democratic socialists e.g the Fabians.
- The struggle for socialism could co-exist with an economy based on private property – the whole idea was that there is no contempt for capitalism.
Must Socialism Involve The Abolition Of Private Property +
Capitalism:
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Yes:
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No:
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Socialism’s core values include: equality, fraternity and
co-operation. Private property promotes competition
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The debate actually concerns the means of socialism not the ends |
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Early democratic socialists like Webb believed public ownership to
be more rational |
Bernstein noted that the working-class conditions had improved
under capitalism
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Marx & Engels believed that capitalism would lead to
exploitation and oppression of the working class
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Increasing public spending and not public ownership was key to
more socialism.
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