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To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 3
To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points of Agreement
Answer
Anarchists share a fundamental belief that the state is an immoral and coercive body that should be rejected due to its negative impact on personal freedoms and human potential.
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Goldman and the Immorality of the State: Emma Goldman argues that the state is inherently immoral, asserting that its existence infringes upon human nature and freedom. This view unifies several anarchist thinkers under the notion that the state must be abolished to liberate individuals.
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Kropotkin and Freedom of Choice: Similarly, Peter Kropotkin emphasizes that the removal of the state is essential for the realization of true liberty, advocating for a society where individuals freely associate without coercion.
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Stirner's Opposition to Authority: Max Stirner contends that the state is a perpetual source of inequality and division in society, viewing it as a barrier to self-ownership and autonomy. By rejecting the state's role, anarchists aim to establish a society that respects personal freedom.
Step 2
Points of Disagreement
Answer
While there are shared beliefs among anarchists, there are significant disagreements regarding their reasons for opposing the state:
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Goldman's View on State Destruction: Goldman posits that the state must be overthrown completely as it embodies a moral evil. Some anarchists, however, challenge this premise, arguing that the state has a role that could be transformed rather than utterly dismantled.
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Different Perspectives on Authority: Stirner disagrees with those who view the state solely as a negative entity. He believes that there are nuances in authority that should be acknowledged, suggesting a more complex relationship with societal structures.
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The Role of Societal Organization: Kropotkin’s idea of a stateless society as a Union of Egoists contradicts thinkers who advocate for gradual reform. This highlights a division among anarchists about how to achieve societal change, with some favoring dismantlement while others seek to restructure societal organization without the state.