Beatrice Webb

• State

  Paternalistic conservatism or philanthropy isn’t a sustainable solution for poverty

  Poverty and inequality eliminated using extensive state intervention

  Extensive reform - gradual

  Fabian Society- common ownership in Clause IV of the Labour Party Constitution 1918

  Welfare state

  State in capitalistic society was more versatile and responsive

  To promote slow and steady movement to public ownership
• Example

  Clement Attlee government 1945- many welfare policies to build the country

  Gradually
• Human nature

  • human nature is malleable and shaped by social conditions
  • believes that individuals seek fulfilment through collective welfare and cooperation
  • emphasising altruism and capacity for social improvement
• Society

  • society should be organised for the common good with cooperation essential for addressing social problems
  • stresses the importance of collective action and systematic social justice
  • collective common ownership of the means of production is the ideal
• State

  • supports a part of the working class and facilitating democracy to slowly institute socialist reforms
  • advocates for a strong interventionist state that plays a central role in managing the economy and providing public services
  • state is a vehicle for social reform towards eventual socialism
• Economy

  • critical of capitalism and believes in an eventual planned economy where resources are allocated based on social needs
  • public ownership of industries and redistribution to achieve social justice and equality of outcome
• Revolution

  • cautious about reform
  • advocates for gradual social change through a democratic process and education to improve
• Class

  • recognises class divisions
  • believes in social reform can bridge these gaps
  • the proletariat can find solidarity and achieve meaningful change towards socialism through political party membership, participation and trade unionism
• Example

  • NHS- 1948- reflects Webb's ideals of public services and provision of healthcare as a right
  • Welfare state policies- introduction of policies like Welfare Reform Act 2012
  • Cooperative Businesses: rise can be traced by to her advocacy for collective ownership and social planning