The Evolutionary Socialism
Evolutionary socialism is a category of Marxist doctrine that rejects the labor theory of value, economic determinism, and the significance of the class struggle.[1] According to Eduard Bernstein (January 6, 1850 — December 18, 1932) who is a German social democratic theoretician and politician, also the founder of evolutionary socialism, states that Marx made some fundamental mistakes and that socialism needed to stress cooperation and evolution rather than class conflict and revolution.[2]
Karl Marx’s theory of Marxism was a belief of complete and imminent collapse of capitalism versus Bernstein believed that socialism is the final result of the liberalism inherent in human aspiration, and he no longer believed in capitalism’s imminent collapse [3]. Bernstein’s evolutionary socialism, also known for revisionism, was a challenge for the Marxist theory of socialist ownership.
Bernstein rejected the revolutionary socialism of the Communist Manifesto because he did not believe in the imminent collapse of capitalism and the bourgeoisie as exclusively parasitic and oppressive. “The capitalist system had not broken down, said Bernstein. Contrary to Marx’s assertion, the middle class was actually expanding, not declining.” [5] Bernstein states that the condition for workers was increasing due to higher standard of living with the steady economy. “he argued, the prospects for lasting success lay in steady advance rather than violent upheaval” [6]
I believe Bernstein had a more accurate vision of the future development of society since Marxism failed in the society more than once. Bernstein’s theory was better for workers and society. “With the extension of the right to vote, workers were in a better position than ever to achieve their aims through democratic channels. “[7] Bernstein was reelected in the parliament several times and people that supported Marxist ideology faded into the background. This shows that Bernstein’s theory of evolutionary socialism fitted better in society at that time.
Sources;
1-Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia. “Revisionism.” Encyclopedia Britannica, August 7, 2008. https://www.britannica.com/topic/revisionism-Marxism.
2-Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 696
3-Angel, P. Robert. “Eduard Bernstein.” Encyclopedia Britannica, January 2, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eduard-Bernstein.
4-Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 695
5-Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 695
6-Angel, P. Robert. “Eduard Bernstein.” Encyclopedia Britannica, January 2, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eduard-Bernstein.
7- Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 696
