Methods

• Social democrats believe that capitalism can and should be humanised. The creation of a society built around social justice and equality does not therefore require a mass programme of nationalisation and state control as advocated by democratic socialists, nor the revolution predicted by Marxists.
• Social democrats argue for an economic system based primarily upon private ownership which can be civilised via an extensive set of left wing policies
• Social democrats believe wealth should be reallocated via a combination of progressive taxation, an extensive welfare state and a significant role for both the public and private sector
• Social democrats prefer a gradual approach to social change. They reject the view that the means towards a better society is one that necessitates political violence
• Social democrats believe that equality of opportunity incentivises innovation and individual work ethic leading to economic growth