Capitalism versus Socialism

• An Inspector Calls is a play that deals with ideas of fairness and inequality. Priestley used the play to argue that the economic system of Capitalism prevented equality and social justice and that another system, Socialism, which aims to share out wealth, would be fairer for all.
• • Priestley presents a powerful social message in An Inspector Calls which is explored through the competing concepts of Capitalism and Socialism:
  • While Capitalism seeks to benefit the individual, Socialism is focused on benefiting society
• • Priestley depicts the comfortable, affluent life of the Birlings who thrive on Capitalism:
  • This is contrasted with the distressing account of Eva, who is forced to live a wretched life due to their greed
  • Despite being a good worker, Eva is exploited and marginalised by those within the privileged Capitalist system
• • Priestley maintains that such a system creates and perpetuates inequalities in society and prevents social mobility:
  • Eva is trapped in a cycle of poverty and despite her attempts to improve her situation, she cannot overcome it
• • The Inspector’s moralistic tone serves to condemn the entrenched Capitalist views of the group:
  • His message that “we are all part of one community” is firmly established
• • Arthur is resistant to this message and insists his responsibility is to protect the interests of his business, by making as much profit as possible:
  • He has no sense of responsibility or concern that his workers may need higher wages to live
  • He treats the pay strike at his factory with contempt since it threatens his profits
• What is Priestley’s intention?

  • Through the Inspector, Priestley presents the Birlings and Capitalism in a negative light:
  • They are individualistic, self-centered and amoral, placing profit and greed above the rights and concerns of others
• What is Priestley’s intention?

  • Priestley seeks to expose this selfishness and to encourage others to look after one another and to work towards a society where all members are treated more equally and fairly