Chapter 20 : FABIAN SOCIALISM

FABIAN SOCIALISM

Overview and Core Philosophy of Fabian Socialism

Origin and Name

• Fabian socialism developed in England and serves as a prime example of evolutionary socialism.
• The British Fabian society was organised in 1884, exactly one year after the death of Karl Marx.
• Etymology: The society is named after Quintus Fabius Maximus, a famous Roman General known as a great "delayer".
• Tactics of Fabius: He took all steps against his enemy, Hannibal, except fighting him directly on the battlefield.
• Motto: "Hasten slowly".
• Application to Socialism: The Fabian socialists instructed their followers to wait patiently for the right moment (as Fabius did, despite being censured for his delays). However, when the time comes, they must strike hard; otherwise, their waiting would be vain and fruitless.
• Demographics and Influence: The movement was dominated by intellectuals drawn from the British middle class. It held significant influence in the British Labour party, in government circles, and among intellectuals.
• Leading members: George Bernard Shaw, Sidney Webb, Beatrice Webb, H. G Wells, Bertrand Russel, and Harold Laski.
• George Bernard Shaw, speaking of his middle-class origins, famously remarked that he belonged to a family of "downstarts".

Theoretical Foundations and Influences

Fabian socialism explicitly rejects Marxian economic theory, drawing instead on classical and marginalist economic laws.

Core Beliefs and Methods

• Goal: The reduction of inequalities of income and wealth.
• Stance on Capitalism: They advocate for the modification of capitalist institutions, not their total abolition.
• They advocate control over monopolies and state ownership of utilities.
• They advocate trade unionism, factory legislation, tax reform, and the nationalization of key industries.
• Summary Goal: Social justice through a gradual and peaceful…