MARXISM AND LIFE IN SOCIALISM

- Compiled by: M.V. Rodden -

v-1.0

10/17/2004

v-1.1

10/23/2004

v-1.2

10/25/2004

v-1.3

10/31/2004

v-1.4

11/2/2004

v-1.5

11/8/2004

· How do Marxists view Morals and Ethics?

· Under Socialism, what will Families and Relationships be like?

· How will Education be Different?

· How do Marxists view and practice Science?

· What about Religion?

· Gender Roles

· How will the Political system run?

· How will people change culturally, and how will cultures be viewed and treated?

· What will Art, and the life of Artists be like?

· Materialism Vs. Idealism

· The Marxism Vs. Utopian view

· Science, Anthropology, and Sociology

· Will Socialism clean up the Environment?

· Will people be healthier?

· Will labour Unions still be needed?

· How will people think and behave, will people be different from Capitalism?

· Will there be elections?

· Dictatorship or Freedom?

And more!

Subject Overview:

Levels:

· Easy - Marked with "E", these studies are understandable to people completely new to politics

· Beginner - Marked with "B", these studies are understandable to people new to Marxism, but some understanding of politics is preferable (but not needed).

· Intermediate - Marked with "I", these studies are optimal for people with an understanding of politics, but they do not have to be advanced. These studies will further explore the ideas and philosophies discussed in the Easy and Beginner courses.

· Advanced - Marked with an "A", these studies are better for those who have a bit more background on politics, philosophy, and/or Marxism. People with little experience may want to try these studies, but it would require attention. Some of these may include "classic" Marxist writings.

· Expert - Marked with an "X", these studies are usually made up of "classic" Marxist writings, such as those written by Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Trotsky, Gramsci, Hoxha, and others. These writings can usually be quite long, and incorporate the use of "heavy" rhetoric and languages. These require a lot of attention to study, and it requires a lot of "getting used to" to study these writings in-depth. We encourage students to try, and just relax if you get frustrated, and never hesitate to ask a fellow Comrade for help!

A General level is given for each course, and levels are also indicated beside each reading. This is to help each student decide which readings would be best for them to study.

Readings:

· Main - These are the readings that will be mainly focused on in the group. You should try to read these before the others.

· Extra - These readings are not necessary, but will be very helpful. You should read them if you have time.

· Reference - These are to help you along with the main and/or extra readings. They will usually be short descriptions of political terms, places, and/or people.

· Follow-up - These readings are recommended for you to read at some point after the study. when you have time, if you are interested in studying the subject in more depth.

· Video - If available these will be shown during the study session.

Any key (essential) writings will be marked with an asterisk (*) if applicable.

It is recommended that each student pick as many readings as possible to read for each subject. Remember, even if you only get to read some of the writings, it is still a good idea to attend the study group - that way you can learn from the discussion and ask questions. Of course, it is better if you have enough time to take notes, and bring your opinion and debate with other Comrades. Regardless, the most important part is to take part.

Index:*

1) Life Under Socialism

2) Distribution of Goods and Services

3) The Family

4) Women

5) Morals and Ethics

6) Science and Evolution

7) Education

8) Religion & Atheism

9) Media

10) Arts & Culture

11) Relationships and Sexualities

12) Right of Nations to Self Determination

13) Labour and Union Movements

14) Lifestyle, Health and the Environment

15) The National Question in Canada

16) Market Socialism

*readings, subjects, times, etc. may change depending on the needs and abilities of the students and the Young Left

***

Class 1

Life Under Socialism: A Brief Introduction (A)

· What will Socialist Society be like?

· What is the process of Socialization?

· Can Socialism have a market economy?

· What is Nationalization?

· Is Private Property abolished right away?

· Will there still be classes?

· Will the government own everything?

· What are Workers Cooperatives, Collectives and Communes?

· What is the difference between Utopian and Marxist Socialism?

· What is the People's Democratic Dictatorship of the Proletariat?

· Will there be elections?

· Could there be war from Imperialism/Civil War?

· Socialism in One Country and Internationalism

· Socialism: A Transitional Stage?

· What is Communist Society?

Readings:

Main:

1) *Friedrich Engels: The Principles of Communism - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/11/prin-com.htm (Questions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 24 only) (A)*

2) Leon Trotsky: If America Should Go Communist - http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/works/1935/1935-ame.htm (A)

3) Rosa Luxemburg: The Socialisation of Society - http://marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1918/12/20.htm (A)

4) V.I. Lenin: Economics and Politics in the Era of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat - http://www.marx2mao.com/Lenin/EPDP19.html (A)

*If you only have time for one reading, make it this one!

Extra:

1) Karl Marx: Critique of the Gotha Programme - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1875/gotha/index.htm (X)

2) The Communist Manifesto - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/index.htm (A)

3) Mao Tse-tung: ON THE PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP - http://www.marx2mao.com/Mao/PDD49.html (A)

4) Mao Zedong: On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People - http://www.marx2mao.com/Mao/CHC57.html (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Market - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#market (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Socialization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/o.htm#socialisation (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Market Socialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#market-socialism (B)

Class 2

Distribution of Goods and Services (I)

This study aims to build an understanding of how goods and services would be distributed and acquired in socialist society.

· How Will Goods and Services be distributed in Socialist Society?

· Will Money Exist?

· Will everyone get paid the same?

· An End to Copyrights, and Copyright's replacement "Copyleft"

· Are Humans Greedy by Nature? and;

· Won't incentive to achieve be hindered?

Readings:

Main:

1) How Will Goods and Services be Distributed in Socialist Society?: Labor Vouchers vs. Free Access - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/laborvouchersvs.freeaccess.html (I)

2) Doesn't socialism violate human nature ? -http://www.geocities.com/klomckin/Part16.html#3RD QUESTION (B)

Extra:

1) Socialism FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/FAQ.html (B)

2) Copyleft Vs. Copyright: A Marxist Critique - http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue7_3/soderberg/ (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Goods and Services - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/g/o.htm#goods-and-services

2) What is Copyleft? - http://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.html#WhatIsCopyleft (B)

3) GNU Free Documentation License. Version 1.2, November 2002 - http://marxists.org/admin/legal/fdl.htm (B)

4) GNU General Public License, Version 2, June 1991 - http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html (B)

5) Free art License - http://artlibre.org/licence/lalgb.html (B)

6) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Intellectual Property - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/i/n.htm#intellectual-property (B)

7) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Market Socialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#market-socialism (B)

8) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Nature - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/n/a.htm#nature (B)

9) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Labour - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/l/a.htm#labour (B)

10) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Commodity - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/o.htm#commodity (B)

11) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Hacker - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/h/a.htm#hacker

Class 3

The Family (A)

· General Conditions for bringing up a family

· Parental Authority & Discipline

· Child Development Through Play

· Family Economy

· Work Education

· Sex Education

· Development of Cultural Interests

· Marital Relations

· Women's New Roles in the Family

Readings:

Main:

1) A. S. Makarenko: Lectures to Parents - http://marxists.org/reference/archive/makarenko/works/lectures/index.html (A)

Extra:

1) Communism and the Family - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/1920/communism-family.htm (A)

2) Communist Morality in the Sphere of Marital Relations - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/1921/theses-morality.htm (A)

3) Play and its role in the Mental Development of the Child - http://www.marxists.org/archive/vygotsky/works/1933/play.htm (A)

4) E. Belfort Bax: Socialism and the Family - http://marxists.org/archive/bax/1906/11/family.htm (A)

Reference:

1. Makarenko, Anton Semyonovich (1888-1939) - http://marxists.org/glossary/people/m/a.htm#makarenko

Class 4

Women (B)

· Women's New Roles in the Family

· Women's New Roles in Society

· Sexual liberation/freedom

· Reproductive rights

· Feminist Movement

· Women in the workplace

· Prostitution and ways of fighting it

Readings:

Main:

1) The Proletarian Revolution and the Emancipation of Women - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-woman.htm (B)

2) Marxism Made Simple: Gender - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (click on "Gender") (B)

Extra:

1) The New Woman - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/new.htm (A)

2) Prostitution and ways of fighting it - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/1921/prostitution.htm (A)

3) Marxist / Materialist Feminism - http://www.cddc.vt.edu/feminism/mar.html (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Women's Liberation Movement - http://marxists.org/glossary/events/w/o.htm#womens-movement (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Feminism http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/f/e.htm#feminism (B)

Class 5

Morals and Ethics (B)

· Marxism and Morals: Contradiction?

· Materialism Vs. Morals and Ethics

· Proletarian Vs. Bourgeois Morality

· Morals in relation to the socialist state

Readings:

Main:

1) Proletarian Morality--A Radical Rupture With Tradition's Chains - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-morality.htm (B)

2) On Communist Ethics - http://www.marxists.org/archive/krupskaya/works/ethics.htm (A)

3) E. Belfort Bax: The Ethics of Socialism - http://marxists.org/archive/bax/1889/11/ethics.htm (A)

Extra:

1) The Tasks of the Youth Leagues - http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1920/oct/02.htm (X)

2) Ethical Marxism - http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/en/wilde.htm (A)

3) Is There a Marxian Ethic? By Bertell Ollman - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/ethic.php (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Ethics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/e/t.htm#ethics

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Morality - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/o.htm#morality

Class 6

Science and Evolution (A)

· How did humans develop?

· What role does labour play in the advancement of Society?

· The Marxist view of Science

· Will Science advance more rapidly under Socialism?

· Will incentive to achieve be lost because of Socialist equality?

· Morality & Science

· Marxism and Darwinism

· Philosophy and the Sciences

Readings:

Main:

1) Morality & the Patenting of Genes - http://www.geocities.com/youth4sa/genes.html (I)

2) The Marxist Philosophy and the Sciences - http://www.marxists.org/archive/haldane/works/1930s/philosophy.htm (A)

Extra:

1) Marxism And Darwinism - http://www.marxists.org/archive/pannekoe/works/1912-dar.htm (A)

2) The Part played by Labour in the Transition from Ape to Man - http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1876/part-played-labour/index.htm (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Science - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/c.htm#science (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Nature - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/n/a.htm#nature (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Labour - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/l/a.htm#labour (B)

4) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Morality - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/o.htm#morality (B)

Class 7

Education (I)

· What Will Education Be Like Under Socialism?

· How will Education be improved?

· What makes Capitalist Education poor?

· An end to Euro-centric views in Education

Readings:

Main:

1) What Will Education Be Like Under Socialism? - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/socialismandeducation.html (I)

2) Marxism Made Simple: Education - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (Click on "Education") (B)

3) On Teaching Marxism By Bertell Ollman http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/ssr_ch05.php (A)

Class 8

Religion & Atheism (B)

· The Church and The State

· Freedom of expression and faith

· Backward ideas and religion

· evolution and creationism;

· atheism and science;

· Religion and education

Readings:

Main:

1) Religion - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (Click on "Religion") (B)

2) Luxemburg: Socialism and The Churches - http://marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1905/misc/socialism-churches.htm (A)

3) James Connolly: Socialism and Religion - http://marxists.org/archive/connolly/1901/evangel/socrel.htm

Extra:

1) Church and School in the Soviet Republic, Nikolai Bukharin - http://marxists.org/archive/bukharin/works/1919/churchandschool.htm (A)

2) E. Belfort Bax: Socialism and Religion - http://marxists.org/archive/bax/1884/06/religion.htm

3) Ernest Belfort Bax: "Religion" and Socialism - http://marxists.org/archive/bax/1895/06/religion.htm

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Religion - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/r/e.htm#religion (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: God - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/g/o.htm#god (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Atheism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/a/t.htm#atheism (B)

Class 9

Media (B)

· Freedom of expression, ideas and dissent

· Private Vs. Public media

· censorship and availability

· INTERNET, TV, Radio and Print

· International and foreign news

Readings:

Main:

1) Marxism Made Simple: Mass Media - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (Click on "Media") (B)

2) E. Belfort Bax: A "Free Press" - http://marxists.org/archive/bax/1884/12/freepress.htm

Extra:

1) On Freedom of the Press - http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1842/free-press/index.htm (X)

Class 10

Arts & Culture (B)

· Bourgeois Vs. Proletarian art

· How accessible will art be?

· How will art be distributed?

· How will art schools be different in Socialist society?

· Will artists be paid the same as everyone else?

· Will there be "celebrities"?

· Who decides what art is "good" or "bad"?

Readings:

Main:

1) Art, Science, Education, Sports, and the Challenge of Creating A Whole New Superstructure in Socialist Society - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-artscien.htm (B)

2) SOME IDEAS ON THE SOCIAL ROLE OF ART - http://www.rwor.org/a/v23/1110-19/1114/skybreak_art.htm (I)

3) "THESES ON ART" FROM THE LEAGUE OF SOCIALIST ARTISTS - http://www.allianceml.com/CommunistLeague/WBBTHESEART1972.html (I)

4) Chinese Art in Revolution - http://www.etext.org/Politics/MIM/mt/mt13chinart.html (B)

Extra:

1) What Is Proletarian Culture, and Is It Possible? - http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/works/1923/tia23c.htm (A)

2) The Psychology of Art - http://www.marxists.org/archive/vygotsky/works/1925/index.htm (A)

3) Poetry, Poetics and the Problems of Poetry in the U.S.S.R., Nikolai Bukharin - http://marxists.org/archive/bukharin/works/1934/poetry/index.htm (A)

4) Mao Zedong: TALKS AT THE YENAN FORUM ON LITERATURE AND ART - http://www.marx2mao.com/Mao/YFLA42.html (A)

Reference:

1) Free art License - http://artlibre.org/licence/lalgb.html (B)

Class 11

Relationships and Sexualities (B)

· Is sexual liberation a likely consequence of socialism?

· What about monogamy?

· The Question of “Free Love”

· Will homosexual people be treated differently?

· What about sexual education?

· How will socialism deal with the social consequences of sex (STD's, family planning, abortion, adoption, etc.)?

· What will happen to the sex trade (pornography, prostitution, etc.)?

Readings:

Main:

1) RCP on Homosexuality - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/homosexuality.htm (B)

2) Sexual Relations and the Class Struggle - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/1921/sex-class-struggle.htm (A)

3) Social and Sexual Revolution: from Marx to Reich and Back - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/ssr_ch06.php

4) Pornography, Capitalism and Censorship - http://www.bolshevik.org/1917/no13porn.pdf

Extra:

1) Pornography: Pleasure or Plague? - Stephen Von Sychowski - http://www.communist-party.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=76 (B)

2) Is pornography wrong? - Che-Lives On-line Discussion - http://www.che-lives.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26880

Class 12

Right of Nations to Self Determination (A)

· What is Self-Determination?

· How do Marxists stay true to International Revolution and honour sovereignty?

· International relations

· Could there be a black Nation?

· First Nations

· War and Peace

Readings:

Main:

1) The Discussion of Self-Determination Summed Up - http://www.marx2mao.com/Lenin/SD16.html (A)

2) Marxism and the National Question Today - http://www.communist-party.org.uk/articles/2003/february/Marxism%20and%20the%20National%20Question%20Today.shtml (A)

3) Black Nation-Revisionist Theory in the USA - http://www.allianceML.com/AllianceIssues/ALLIANCE23-BlackNat96.html (A)

4) Critique of the Black Nation Thesis - http://ptb.lashout.net/marx2mao/Other/CBNT75.html (A)

Extra:

1) Marxism and the National Question - http://www.marx2mao.com/Stalin/MNQ12.html (X)

2) The Socialist Revolution and the Right of Nations to Self-Determination - http://www.marx2mao.com/Lenin/SRSD16.html (X)

Class 13

Labour and Union Movements (B)

· What is the character of Unions under Capitalism?

· What Role will Unions play in revolution, if any?

· How will unions change under Socialism?

· Unions for other workforces (i.e. office, medical, teachers, sex trade, etc.)

· Should Socialists support a police Union?

· Will Unions be independent of the socialist state?

· Will Union leaders be paid 'worker's wages'?

· Will Unions be needed under Socialism?

· What role can Unions play under Socialism?

· Should police be allowed to Unionize?

Readings:

Main:

1) Unions: What They Are and What They Should Be - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/unions.html (B)

2) BUSINESS UNIONISM VS. REVOLUTIONARY UNIONISM - http://www.cat.org.au/a4a/union.html (B)

3) Cuba: Living under socialism - http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:OFBxvvG73scJ:www.numsa.org.za/news/9806-18.htm (E)

Extra:

1) Role and Functions of the Trade Unions - http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1921/dec/30.htm (A)

2) Industrial Unionism and Constructive Socialism - http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/1908/sme/inconsoc.htm (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Unions - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/u/n.htm#union (B)

Class 14

Lifestyle, Health and the Environment (I)

· The role of 'lifestyle' politics in revolution: liberation or petty-bourgeois elitism?

· Is veganism the answer to world hunger?

· Can Socialism stop environmental destruction?

· Can centuries of environmental destruction be reversed?

Readings:

Main:

1) Capitalism and Environmental Destruction - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/theenvironment.html (I)

2) does humanity have a future? - http://www.geocities.com/youth4sa/ecology.html (I)

3) Veganism and "animal rights" - http://www.etext.org/Politics/MIM/wim/cong/vegan.html (B)

Class 15

The National Question in Canada (I)

· First Nations, Quebec, and Canada: Understanding the multinational composition of this land

· Multinational or Bi-National state?

· Quebec: 'Distinct society' or Sovereign nation?

· Quebecois Nationalism: Progressive or Regressive?

· First Nations Sovereignty, land claims, and reparations

· The problem with the U.S. border

Readings:

Main:

1) Discussion of parasitism and the national question in Canada - http://www.etext.org/Politics/MIM/countries/canada/kanadanation.html (I)

2) QUEBECOIS NATIONALISM AGAINST FIRST NATIONS - http://www.etext.org/Politics/MIM/countries/canada/quebecnationposition.html (I)

3) Nationalism or Socialism? A Look at the Problems in Que'bec - http://www.marxist.com/usa/quebec.html (A)

4) CPC Program Ch. 4: The Canadian State; The nations and peoples of Canada and the crisis of democracy - http://www.communist-party.ca/program/program_00.html#four (I)

5) History of a Bi-National State - http://www.allianceML.com/CCS/ALLIANCE6_Canada93.html

Class 16

Market Socialism (A)

· Debate on the Market Economy (What is it exactly? Is it Capitalism?)

· Can Socialism have a market economy?

· At what stage should the market be fazed out?

· Are these "Bukharanite" and "Dengist" revisionist ideas?

· Do humans need a market and competition to "motivate" production?

Readings:

Main:

1) Market Mystification in Capitalist and Market Socialist Societies By Bertell Ollman - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/market_mystification.php (A)

2) On Socialism and the Market: A Response to Bertell Ollman’s Anti-Market Mysticfications By Carl Davidson - http://www.net4dem.org/senet/socialism_mystifications.rtf (A)

3) Reply to Carl Davidson on my Market Mystification Article By Bertell Ollman - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/davidson_reply.php (A)

Extra:

1) Market Economy: Advantages and Disadvantages by Bertel Ollman - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/china_speech2.php (A)

2) The Question is Not "When Will Capitalism Die?" but "When Did it Die, and What Should Our Reaction Be?" Bertel Ollman - http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/china_speech.php (A)

3) Ten Theses on Marxism and the Transition to Socialism. By David Schweickart - http://www.net4dem.org/senet/10theses_long.rtf (A)

4) Rethinking Socialism: What Is Socialist Transition? - http://ptb.lashout.net/marx2mao/Other/WIST.html (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Market - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#market (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Socialization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/o.htm#socialisation (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Market Socialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#market-socialism (B)