Communism & Capitalism

Learning Intentions To understand the difference between Communist ideas and Capitalist ideas. To be able to explain arguments for and against Communism. To be able to explain arguments for and against Capitalism.

What is capitalism? Economic system. Believes in individual ownership and competition. The theory is that when everyone is selfish, it benefits everyone. Adam Smith is “the” capitalist. (He was Scottish!)

CAPITALIST COUNTRIES Can you identify the countries from their flags? USA FRANCE U NITED KINGDOM JAPAN CANADA GERMANY

What’s good about capitalism? Freedom – to do whatever you want, earn as much as you want choice. You can work wherever, buy whatever, and pretty much do whatever If you’re successful, you can be very successful, think… Bill Gates…Simon Cowell…Wayne Rooney… Would you like some of their money?

What’s bad about capitalism? No “safety net.” No government support, no healthcare or welfare!!! If you’re unsuccessful, you can be very unsuccessful. Think about the very poor. What’s their life like? Big gap between rich and poor.

What is communism? Economic system. Belief in collective (group) ownership and a planned economy. The theory is that everybody pools their resources and labour to evenly distribute everything. Karl Marx is “the” communist.

COMMUNIST COUNTRIES Can you identify the countries from their flags? CHINA USSR CUBA VIETNAM LAOS NORTH KOREA

The Communist Manifesto Abolition of property (no one ‘owns’ property it all belongs to the ‘state’) Heavy taxes (more you earn more you pay) No inheritance (You can’t get mummy & daddy’s house) Confiscation of property of all emigrants and rebels Government controls all aspects of life, e.g. transport, health, businesses. Government-controlled education of all children

Marxism They believed they discovered an inevitable pattern Marx and Engels studied the history of the world’s economies Communism!!!! Socialism Capitalism They believed they discovered an inevitable pattern Feudalism Basic Communism

What’s good about communism? Security, your basic needs are met – housing, healthcare, education … Everyone’s equal!!!

What’s bad about communism? Lack of choice – equality means everyone has the same choices – these choices are usually limited and made by the ‘state’ (the government) No rewards for being a better worker or punishment for being a slacker - Would you work hard if you got paid the same? Everyone’s expected to be the same - Do we want to be the same?

Think/pair/share What I think What my partner thinks What we agreed on Best TWO arguments for Capitalism Best TWO arguments against Capitalism Best TWO arguments for Communism Best TWO arguments against Communism

TASKS