Theory question 102
Political Ideologies(a) Explain the concept proletariat.
(b) Highlight four features of socialism.
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) In Marxist theory the proletariat is the working class who own no means of production and live by selling their labour for wages to the bourgeoisie (capitalists).
(b) Any four: state/public ownership of the main means of production; central planning of the economy; production for need, not profit; fair (equitable) distribution of wealth; free or cheap social services (education, health); full employment; reduction of class differences; often a one-party state.
Explanation
Mention the link between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in Marxist class struggle.