The Two Souls of Socialism

Introduction

• Socialism is facing a crisis in defining its meaning.
• Majority of people identify as socialists but the term lacks a universal meaning.
• Common denominator is anti-capitalism, yet even this is losing its uniformity.
• Social-democratic parties often exclude socialist demands.
• Communist states claim socialism through the abolition of private profit but are ruled by bureaucracies not aligned with Marx’s vision.
• Two main traditions in socialism:
  • Socialism-from-Above:
    • Imposed by elite/ruling classes.
    • Focuses on state intervention and control.
  • Socialism-from-Below:
    • Advocates for self-emancipation of the working class.
    • Empowerment through grassroots action.

Historic Socialist Movements and Thinkers

• Karl Kautsky and early "socialist" figures were often anti-democratic and authoritarian.
• Thomas More and Thomas Müntzer represent contrasting socialist ancestors:
  • More’s Utopia is regimental and elitist; Müntzer supported democratic and popular movements.

The First Modern Socialists

1. Babeuf's Conspiracy of the Equals:

   • Sought a society of communist equality through a revolutionary minority imposition.
   • Advocated for an "educational dictatorship" to prepare masses for democracy.

2. Saint-Simon:

   • Promoted industrialization through elite leadership.
   • Later attempted to engage workers to support elite-led modernization.

3. Utopian Socialists:

   • Thought change would come from elite benevolence, not mass movements.

Marx’s Contribution

• Marx intersected socialism with democracy-from-below.
• Advocated that the working class must emancipate itself.
• Marx distanced from authoritarian socialism, emphasizing revolutionary democracy.
• Focused on the potential of a mass-majority as the force for revolution.

Anarchism vs. Socialism

• Proudhon and Bakunin are seen as authoritarian under the guise of anarchism.
• Promoted individual freedom but opposed democratic processes, leading to centralized authoritarianism.

Lassalle and State Socialism

• Ferdinand Lassalle espoused state-aid socialism under existing state structures.
• Contrasted with Marx, who rejected state glorification.

Fabianism

• British equivalent of state socialism, led by Sidney Webb.
• Advocated gradual permeation into existing systems rather than mass mobilization.

Bernstein’s Revisionism

• Eduard Bernstein shifted German socialism away from Marxism towards gradual collectivization.
• Redefined socialism to exclude workers' democracy.

American Context

• Figures like Edward Bellamy promoted socialism modeled on military hierarchy.
• Contrasted with Eugene Debs, who championed socialism-from-below and self-activity of the masses.

Six Strains of Socialism-from-Above

1. Philanthropism: Change by elite kindness.
2. Elitism: Minority rule for educational dictatorship.
3. Plannism: Focus on order and state planning.
4. Communionism: Submersion in collective unity.
5. Permeationism: Gradual reform through existing systems.
6. Socialism-from-Outside: Model example over direct struggle.

Conclusion: The Moral and Practical Choice

• Intellectuals often favor Socialism-from-Above.
• Real change arises from Socialism-from-Below, necessitating grassroots struggles.
• The choice between these paths reflects on the moral stance towards democracy and mass empowerment.

References

• Suggested readings and references for further exploration into socialist theories and history.