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To what extent is socialism more disunited than united? 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 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
To what extent is socialism more disunited than united? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent is socialism more disunited than united? 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 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Points in Agreement
Answer
Disunity in socialism is evident in several key areas:
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Disunity regarding the economy: Many socialists, particularly revolutionary ones, emphasize the need to remove the means of production from private hands, supporting a system managed by the community or the state. Traditional views often diverged from this, favoring moderation or gradual reform.
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Disunity in political approach: Socialists have varying opinions on how to attain power. While some advocate for violent revolution, others argue for incremental changes through democratic means.
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Class structure perspectives: Different thinkers, such as Giddens, share conflicting views on the role of class struggle within socialist doctrine, leading to disunity over prioritizing certain issues.
In summary, these discrepancies show that socialism's foundational principles can lead to varied interpretations and methods of attaining their goals.
Step 2
Points in Disagreement
Answer
Despite shared goals, socialists often harbor different beliefs that create disunity:
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Shared common values: All socialists agree on the need to improve conditions for the less fortunate, yet their definitions of 'improvement' can diverge based on human nature and societal structures.
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Different methods of achieving goals: While some advocate radical reform as posited by thinkers like Marx and Engels, others prefer evolutionary approaches, suggesting that transforming existing structures is more pragmatic.
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Debate on systemic change: The means by which societal change is sought can lead to disagreement. Some may focus solely on economic inequalities, while others consider broader social issues crucial for the evolution of a truly equitable society.
Conclusively, while the foundational purpose of socialism appears unified, the divergent methods and ideologies that arise from this common footing reveal significant disunity within the movement.