Social Studies 30-2 Chapter 6: Responding to Liberalism

Bourgeoisie:

A French word that refers to the social class that evolved in Europe during the Middle Ages and the development of cities and growth in trade. Karl Marx used this word to refer to the business-owning class during the time of the Industrial Revolution.

Democratic Socialism:

A political ideology that advocates a peaceful, evolutionary transition of society from capitalism to socialism (a society in which people share fairly in its wealth) through democratic means, as opposed to the communist idea of change through violent revolution; also known as social democracy.

Utopian Socialism:

A socialist ideology based on cooperative communities with improved living and working conditions for industrial workers, as described and attempted by early socialists such as Robert Owen and Charles Fourier.

Marxism:

A socialist ideology that evolved from interpretations of Karl Marx's idea that the working class (proletariat) should overthrow the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and establish a classless society where property would be owned by the state; also called scientific socialism or communism.

Proletariat:

A term used by Karl Marx to refer to the class of industrial workers whose only asset is the labour that they sell to an employer. Marx argued that the proletariat should rise up against h bourgeoisie (the property- and business- owning class).

Government Intervention:

Actions taken by government to influence the economy (for example, setting taxation and interest rates, spending on public works and social programs, imposing regulations, and breaking up monopolies)

Great Depression:

An economic crisis that began with the stock market crash in 1929 and continued through the 1930s. During this time, banks failed, factories closed, many people became unemployed, and international trade declined.

Socialism:

An ideology based on the belief that collectivist values, such as collective responsibility, collective interest, co-operation, economic equality, adherence to collective norms, and public property should be the foundation for political, economic, and social life)

Communism:

An ideology based on the belief that the oppressed working class must overcome its property-owning oppressors through revolution, so that together they can work towards becoming a classless society in which property is owned by the community and all people share in the production of goods and in the benefits of production (at which point, in theory, no government is needed)

Collectivism:

An ideology that places the needs and goals of the collective, or group, before those of any individual member of the group, and is based on a belief in the interdependence of human society.

Charles Fourier (1772 to 1837)

Believed real benefits would come from arranging people in small, self-sustaining communities. French socialist who believed that a utopia, or "perfect place" could be created where people could prosper and develop to their greatest potential. People who agreed with these kinds of ideas are often referred to as utopian socialists.

Values of Socialism (Collectivist)

Collective Interest Humans should be co-operative, helpful, and compassionate. Collective Responsibility Society, through government, should be responsible for the well-being of its members. Economic Equality Government should intervene in the economy - for example, by taxing profits and earnings and by offering social programs - to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth among citizens in society. Public Property The government should own major industries and run them on behalf of the people. Profits from these industries should be kept by the government and then redistributed throughout society. Co-operation People should co-operate to achieve collective goals. Adherence to Collective Norms People should follow rules and norms that benefit society. Society should be structured so that there is equality among the people.

Robert Owen (1771 - 1858)

Felt it was the responsibility of business owners to operate profitable and productive workplaces while also treating their workers well. Established markets that provided good, nutritious food at reasonable prices. provided basic health care for his workers and allowed them to have a democratic voice in the operation of the mills. restricted working hours, raised wages, and refused to hire children under the age of 10 (all while still making a profit) Pressured the government (unsuccessfully) to enforce an 8 hour work day at a time when even children were forced to work 12 to 16 hour work days, six days a week.

Social Programs:

Government programs (such as employment insurance, health care, education, and child care), which can help people through bad economic times.

The Great Depression

October 29, 1929 marked the start of the Great Depression led many to question the values of classical liberalism Some believed that the governments needed to take a more active role in the economy to help people cope with the Depression Many historians and economists, regardless of their values, agree that the Great Depression was a result of an unregulated economy (Classical Liberalism)

Universal Health Care:

Publicly funded medical care programs that provide essential health services to all people regardless of their ability to pay for them.

Values of Classical Liberalism (Individualist)

Self-Interest Individuals should act in their own self-interest. Individual Rights/Responsibilities/Freedoms Individuals should be responsible for their own well-being. Economic Freedom The economy should be determined by market forces, such as supply and demand. The government should not intervene in the economy. Private Property Individuals should have the right to own, buy, or sell property. Competition Competition benefits society when people work in their own self-interest, leading to innovation, motivation, and lower prices. Rule of Law No one is above the law, and each individual is accountable to the law.

Canadian Social Programs and legislation's include:

Student loans, unemployment insurance, child-care initiatives, Canadian Pension Plan, minimum wage, and universal health care

Quiet Revolution

The rise of socialism in Quebec resulted in the creation of a welfare state. citizens provided with greater access to health care and education, family allowances Quebec governmnet took over all private producers of hydroelectricity

According to Marx, a socialist society formed by workers should involve:

The shift from private property to public property The creation of new factories controlled and owned by the government Government control of all banking through a national bank Government control of the means of transportation and communication Free education for all children in public schools

Karl Marx (1818 - 1883)

"The Communist Manifesto" was written with fellow socialist Friedrich Engels. Believed that the struggle between classes is the most important force in society through revolution we could be closer to a society called communism (classless society where all people share in the production of goods and no government is needed). Proposed that there was a struggle between the proletariat (working class) and the bourgeoisie (business owners) proletariat were oppressed by the bourgeoisie and that the proletariat would need to rise up against their oppressors and seize control of political, economic, and social systems to establish a socialist society free of class differences, with all people sharing in the production of goods and wealth in society. This classless society would be based on collective values and public ownership of property for the benefit of all people.