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To what extent do anarchists agree on the need for common ownership in a future anarchist society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 3
To what extent do anarchists agree on the need for common ownership in a future anarchist society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support you... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do anarchists agree on the need for common ownership in a future anarchist society? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points for the view
Answer
Most anarchists believe that private ownership and capitalism is exploitative and undermines freedom.
- Most anarchists argue that private property creates exploitative relationships and undermines freedom. They posit that common ownership can lead to a more equitable society.
- Collectivist anarchists believe the economy should be organized collectively, allowing workers to enjoy the fruits of their labor without the oppression of capitalism.
- Many anarchists advocate for a more devolved and small-scale economic system based on communalism, mutual aid, and cooperation, where resources are shared amongst the community.
Step 2
Points against the view
Answer
Anarcho-capitalists support capitalism and private property.
- Whilst anarcho-capitalists advocate for private ownership and capitalism, they reject the idea of common ownership altogether, viewing it as a form of coercion.
- Collective anarchists are divided over the need for common ownership, some arguing that individual control over resources is vital for true freedom.
- Some collectivist anarchists support the idea of individuals owning their labor and the products of their labor, emphasizing that the community should not infringe upon personal property rights.
Step 3
Conclusions and judgement for the view
Answer
We can conclude that most anarchists do agree on the need for common ownership to some extent as they identify capitalism as a system that oppresses freedom.
- From the rejection of capitalism, we can see that most anarchists are aligned in their vision for a future where common ownership plays a crucial role in achieving true liberation.
- The emphasis on small-scale communal arrangements reflects a common vision among anarchists for creating a future anarchist society with a foundation built on cooperation.
Step 4
Conclusions and judgement against the view
Answer
However, this does not discount the perspectives of those anarchists, such as anarcho-capitalists, who argue that private property is essential to individual liberty.
- The division among collective anarchists showcases a lack of consensus regarding the extent of common ownership, indicating that there are significant ideological differences within anarchist thought.
- We can reach a verdict that while many anarchists support common ownership, there are substantial factions that perceive private ownership as compatible with anarchist principles.