Socialism is a criticism of Capitalism. It is a response to the industrial revolution of the 19th century.
Socialists reject liberalism on the basis of two grounds:
- There is no natural right to private property (Marx/Rousseau)
- Individuals cannot be independent/autonomous in modern industrial society (Giddens)
Socialists do agree with liberals in their belief in reason (support enlightenment), the idea of foundation equality, rejection of monarchy and the aim of freeing humans from oppression.
Human Nature
- Like liberals, socialists are optimistic - it is a progressive ideology
- Socialists believe that humans are social by nature are prone to co-operation and altruism
- Socialists also believe that humans are a product of their surrounding and that human nature is malleable (can be moulded/changed) (Webb)
- Socialists believe Capitalism encourages greed and therefore is responsible for many problems in human behaviour
- Socialism is therefore to create the conditions that allow for humans to reach th