AQA English Revision: Capitalism vs Socialism

Introduction

• Understanding Priestley's political views requires understanding two major political ideologies: Capitalism and Socialism.
• The play "An Inspector Calls" contrasts these ideologies through characters such as the Inspector (socialist) and Mr. Birling (capitalist).

Key Concepts

Socialism

• Society should work collectively to support each other.
• Emphasizes responsibility for those less fortunate.
• Wealth should be shared to provide equal opportunities.
• Privilege is often unearned, preventing capable individuals from succeeding.
• Success does not always correlate with deservingness.
• Cooperation advances society.

Capitalism

• Rewards individuals based on success.
• Responsibility lies with oneself and family.
• Wealth should remain with the earners.
• Privilege is deserved as a result of earned wealth.
• Competition, not cooperation, is seen as a societal driver.

Detailed Explanations

What is Capitalism?

• Businesses operate freely without government interference.
• Wealth remains with the rich, seen as more worthy.
• Pure capitalism lacks social safety nets such as education and healthcare.
• Capitalism encourages survival of the fittest (social Darwinism).

What is Socialism?

• Essential industries and services should be communally owned.
• Aims to equalize opportunities irrespective of birth advantages.
• Advocates for state ownership in key sectors for public benefit, not profit.
• Supports social programs like free education and healthcare.

Representation in "An Inspector Calls"

Capitalism

• Mr. Birling embodies capitalist ideology, believing wealth equates to worthiness.
• Asserts that society is inherently fair to those who work hard.

Socialism

• Inspector Goole advocates for collective responsibility and social welfare.
• Highlights interconnectedness and mutual responsibility among individuals.

Key Quotes & References

Mr. Birling

• Community as nonsense: Dismisses socialism’s call for collective care.
• Personal responsibility: Emphasizes self-care and family care over societal care.
• Obligation to wealth: Views richness as a moral duty.

Inspector Goole

• Public responsibility: Stresses the responsibilities accompanying privilege.
• Shared guilt: Urges the sharing of social guilt rather than ignoring it.
• Final speech: Emphasizes interconnected human experiences and collective responsibility.

Current Perspectives

Capitalism Today

• Dominant in the western world; wealth concentration in few hands.
• Criticized for exacerbating inequality but praised for technological advancements.

Socialism Today

• Calls for shared responsibility in light of environmental challenges.
• Advocates for wealth redistribution to manage population and ecological sustainability.

Oxford Debating Society: Does Socialism Work?

• Videos illustrate stark differences between capitalist and socialist perspectives.
• Highlights the debate’s lack of common ground despite the rhetoric.

Conclusion

• The discourse reflects differing views on social responsibility, privilege, and economic structure.
• Discussion on the balance between capitalism and socialism remains relevant and contentious.