Socialism (Heywood)

Socialism arose in Europe as a reaction against the social and economic conditions generated by the growth of industrial capitalism. Socialist's birth has closely been linked to the development of a new but growing class of industrial workers. These workers suffered from poverty and degradation. Socialism has the idea of collectivsm stating that humans are capable of overcoming social and economic problems by drawing upon the power of community rather than individual effort. They also believe that the relationship between humans should be one of cooperation rather than competition. Socialist disagree with the thought of competition because it promotes selfishness and agression in the community. Socialist believe that social class is the deepest and most politically significant division in society. They believe that class divisions should be removed since the class system is founded upon exploitation and injustice.

I agree with many of the points that socialist bring up. I am however disappointed that groups took these ideas and sort of manipulated them into their form of government. Like the Soviet Union, they took these ideas, got the publics support, and once the government had controll the economy went on a downward spiral and the people were suffering dramatically. I feel that if a government took these ideas and did not manipulate them at all, the government can be very prosperous and the people would lead a happy life.