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Introduction of Socialism
The Welshman, Robert Owen, is recognised as one of the first socialists. In 1800, he established a co-operative community in New Lanark, near Glasgow, and during the ensuing years, published several writings now considered key documents on laying the foundations of socialism. During the same period, important French contributions were made, by those such as Charles Fourier and Saint-Simon, and by and large, the perspectives of this early cohort are considered *Utopian Socialism*.
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The Roots of Socialism
Scholars generally consider socialism as a political ideology developed during the nineteenth century. However, the roots of the ideation can be traced back much further. Some believe, for instance, that quintessentially socialist ideas are present in the New Testament description of early Christian life.
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Streams of Socialism
Although the need for social transformation, based on principles such as equality and co-operation, was a common belief in the arguments of almost all socialists, it is important to remember that there is no single official form of socialism. Over the years, rather, a range of different socialist streams developed. Some of the most influential streams are introduced below: Utopian Socialism, Marxism and Social Democracy.
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Key Elements of Socialism
Despite the important differences between different streams of Socialism, some common elements or themes can be noted that tend to characterise the Socialist world view; elements that allow us to differentiate somewhat between Socialism and other political ideologies, particularly Liberalism or Conservatism.
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Comparing Socialist Methods: how to Pursue the Better Society?
While a range of key elements can be listed that characterise all kinds of socialist work, a range of important differences can also be noted. Two matters in particular have given rise to great differences of opinion between members of different socialist streams. Initially, there is the matter of the methods that socialists should utilise to access the better society.
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Socialism and Capitalism: Demolish or Reform?
The second matter of importance that gives rise to significant disagreement between different socialist traditions is the very objective that should be pursued – that is, which kind of society the socialist society should be. The disagreement here arising is essentially based on the different ideas on how to deal with capitalism: should it be demolished or reformed?.
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Socialism in Welsh Politics
*“At heart, the Celtic people are all Communists.
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Socialism in Global Politics
Socialism in its various forms is an universal ideology, in the sense that it is a collection of values and ideas able to be spread across the world, theoretically at least, according to those professing them. Such was the belief of Robert Owen on his co-operative communities – communities that he believed could characterise every society no matter where in the world. In their Communist Manifesto Engels and Marx appealed to workers of the world to unite in their fight against the bourgeoisie.
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