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Exploring Capitalism and Socialism in Literature

May 17, 2025

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.