To what extent do different socialists agree over the role of the state? 24

To what extent do different socialists agree over the role of the state? 24 Socialism is traditionally the view of opposing capitalist society and economic systems whilst supporting collective ownership of economic and social systems which promotes equality. In order to achieve these goals, different socialists introduced different ways for the state to provide an equal society and economy which also adapted to current times. This therefore led to clear disagreements amongst different strands of socialism regarding the existence and size of the state as well as its purpose in society. There is however broad agreement over some areas of state management amongst some socialists such as its duty to provide welfare and equality as well as the need for state reforms and changes to achieve a collective state however there are still divisions within this. This therefore shows that fundamentally, different socialists do not agree over the state’s role.One area in which there is agreement amongst some socialists is the sates role to provide social welfare and equality in society. This is due to socialists fundamental belief of equality where humans are all born equal and only are different due to conditions in society therefore this inequality in society should be removed by the state which will reinforce collectivism and harmonious living. Further to this, socialists are against the class division and social hierarchy created from inequality stemming from capitalism which further supports their reasoning as to why the state should provide welfare. This is because there are clear class differences which mean people who are lower in society need more support to achieve equality. This view is shared by Social Democrats such as Crosland who advocates for a welfare system to promote social justice and redistribute wealth and limit inequality which was clear in his introduction of a comprehensive education system where the state implemented a new system to remove inequalities from the previous tripartite system. This agreement is further seen is democratic socialists such as Webb who advocates for equality of opportunity which requires the state to enforce socialist goals as seen in her links with the Beveridge report which recommends hugely progressive welfare reforms from the state to re-level society which is much like Crosland’s ideas and therefore showing clear signs of agreement amongst different socialists. Whilst many socialists broadly agree on this, there are however limitations to the extent of agreement as different socialists believe in different types of equality such as Crosland believes that the state should focus on equality of opportunity however Marx and revolutionary socialists believe that once the state wears away, welfare won’t be needed after revolution due to the absolute equality which reflects that there isn’t complete agreement on socialist views regardant the role of the state to promote equality.Another area where there is agreement amongst some socialists is there belief that the state is important to implement a collective state. This is on the basis of their collectivism belief of socialists and that their positive

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