Social Democracy

Social Democracy

1. Berman (2006) argues it was the most successful ideology of the 20th cent. Until crisis stuck

2. Social Democracy is the political project which wants to give everyone the same chance of a decnt life irrespecitve of birth,wealth or condition. (Wright,2010)

3. Ethical Socialism: Morris (1834-96) everybody is entitled to oppertunities to self develop. Therefore need to remove barriers to social mobility.

   • Tawney (1880-1962) Solidaristic community rather than individualistic. You can achieve this community through electoral politics. As long as the wealthy could use private schools etc there would be inequality.

4. Fabian Socialism. Belived that Capitalism was going to be in crisis and could be suspended by a planned economy. They believed socialism could emerge through the democratci process rather than Marx's revolution. They called for public ownership of everything from railways to bakerys. Berstien rejected that revolution would happen

   • Crossland (1956) rejected this in the Social Democratic compromise. Believed a socialist state could be built just on welfare policies. He believed that economic growth had to continue to help the poor but without effecting middle class living standards. Bevan disagreed.

5. Alot of disagreement about how to achieve their aims. In the west associated with Keynism economics with welfare state,public ownership and public provisoin.

   • Peirson argues it has meant different things to different people at different times.

6. Esping-Anderson (1990) argued soc dem was decommodified, universal w/s provided on the basis of citizenship not means testing.

   • Very clear about what type of w/s is social demo, under this definition they would robs argue 3way is not and Scandanavian countries are 
   • Lowe (2005) believed social democracy brought the political centre ground to the left.

7. Freedom positive. The state can intervene in peoples lives so they can be free. Rejects negative neo-lib that state intervention diminishes freedom. One needs to be free from poverty bad education etc to be free. Also believes in civil and poltical rights.

8. Kesselman (1982) believes s/d to be that capitalism linked with state reg. 2) Keynism to achieve economic growth. 3) social policies redistribute economic surplus throug nhs, national insurance etc.

9. Equality. Believe the freemarket does not deliver equality as it gives excessive amounts to some indivduals and limits the freedoms of others.

   • Some believe in oppertunity. Equal competition everybody starts in the right place. However Mamot argues if there is a big difference between winners and losers this can be damaging to society.
     • Thus others believe in equality of outcomes Everyone gets the same wage foreg. However the aim is to narrow economic and social differences. which leaves room for some ineq. Tawney argued aslong as respect for all wasnt lost this was acceptable. However this could run into problems with freedom.
       • Cohen 1997 believes in this. For example he believes everybody should have similar ameneities and burden. 

10. Fraternity or fellowship. Familes shouldnt just be interested in themselves but also the world around them. Nieghbourly interactions into selfless communities. Crossland argues this could threaten freedom and individuality

11. Universalism. Benefits given out to all citiznes, free ath the point of use, not means tested as they believe this brings harm,bureacracy and can be a disinsentive to work. Give every citizen the essential tools to start choose their own life. Brings disciple and responsibility in society. (Attonen and Sipila 2012)

    • However this began to fail as it didnt address poverty as hoped. progressive universalism creeped in, those in greater need were given moore. Selective universalism. Child benefit not given to all. 

12. Public provision of services. Health and education should be provided by the state. Private secftor would only work where it could make profit. Private health care limits equlaity and freedom as people are getting enhanced services, giveing them a step up over other.

13. Redistribution of wealth. People will pay taxes but will be net gainers over the lifecourse of using services. Poorest in society should be net gainers.

14. Social Democratic crisis. unemployment trends keynism couldnt cope with

15. Cudsworth (2007) social democracy hs a positive view of the state and a negative view of the market. They believe the market can and must be managed and that the freemarket results in unequal consequences. The rich benefit more than the poor

    • The market is unjust because it focuses upon profit rather than need.
    • Unethical because it encourages self interest and greed
    • COncentrates wealth and power in a few people.
    • Welfare state will soften the negative markets impact upon society, however will also bring social justice and redistribute wealth (Lister,2010)
    • Le Grand(2003) said that the welfare state was in the public interest and was benelovent in wanting the best for the public.