Lesson Five: The Origins of Socialism

3. Lesson 3.5.2 Socialism Political Values

Socialism takes a collectivist approach to a political system.

In the interests of the common good, socialism promotes the collectivist political values of

• Collective Interest: Individuals should place the collective group ahead of their own self-interest. For example, an individual should co-operate with the wishes of society even if it goes against what that individual wants.

• Collective Responsibility: All individuals of a society should be taken care of through the government. For example, the government, on behalf of society, should provide for the safety and security of every individual.