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To what extent does socialism depend on a view of society based only on class? 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 1
Question 3
To what extent does socialism depend on a view of society based only on class? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and conside... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent does socialism depend on a view of society based only on class? 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 1
Step 1
Agreement with the view of class in socialism
Answer
Socialism, particularly revolutionary socialism, fundamentally views society through the lens of class struggle. Thinkers like Karl Marx emphasized that class conflicts are the driving force of societal change. For instance, Marx argued that the history of all hitherto societies is the history of class struggles.
Furthermore, Rosa Luxemburg and Friedrich Engels contended that socialism arises from the inherent conflicts between the proletariat (working class) and the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). This perspective affirms that a class-based analysis is central to understanding the dynamics of society and the push for socialist movements.
Step 2
Disagreement with the strict class perspective
Answer
While class struggle is a major focus, some argue that it is not the sole basis for socialism. Thinkers like Anthony Giddens emphasized the importance of inclusivity and a mix of factors influencing socialist principles.
For example, he highlighted that the social democratic movement also incorporates issues like gender, race, and environmental concerns into its analysis. This broader view suggests that socialism can evolve beyond a purely class-based framework and still retain its core values of equality and social justice.