7.1.1

Fraternity & Co-operation

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The Principle of Fraternity

Fraternity describes a strong bond between people who share similar interests and beliefs. The relationship is as close as that of brothers and comrades.

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Fraternity

  • Socialists believe fraternity exists in a society where wealth is equally shared by everyone.
  • For socialists, a shared feeling of brotherhood between people will cause co-operation and peace in a society.
    • Socialists do not believe that there is fraternity in a capitalist system as people compete with each other to succeed.
    • Socialists believe fraternity will end capitalism.
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Fraternity examples

Fraternity is found in many labour movements where workers stand as comrades to defend and promote their rights through protests and strikes.

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Miners' strikes

  • The miners' strikes of 1984-1985 were taken to stop the closing of coal mines by Margaret Thatcher's government.
  • The strikes were organised by the National Union of Mineworkers, a trade union.
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Lecturer strikes

  • Lecturers went on strike in 2018 to protest against planned changes to their pensions.
  • Lecturers from 65 universities chose to strike from February to April and formed picket lines outside universities.

The Principle of Co-operation

Co-operation is the idea that everyone in society will benefit if people work together collectively.

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Co-operation

  • Working together for the same end (for example the common good) Socialists believe in a society where humans co-operate with each other.
    • Socialists argue that there is no co-operation in a capitalist society because there is a conflict between the different social classes which exist in a capitalist society.
  • Socialism believes a socialist economic system will promote co-operation.
    • For socialists, the society’s economic system influences human behaviour.
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Co-operation examples

  • The co-operative movement in the UK is based on the principle of co-operation. The co-operative movement is owned by its members and aims to serve its members' needs.
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The Co-Operative Bank

  • The Co-Operative Bank (The Co-Op Bank) is a well-known example of the co-operative movement.
  • The Co-Op Bank's main aim is to meet the needs of its members rather than to maximise its profits.
  • The Co-Op Bank has an Ethical Policy which lists important values to the bank's customers and members. Ethical policies include:
    • Supporting charities which aim to increase social development.
    • Promoting human rights.
    • Protecting the environment.
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The Co-Operative Party

  • The Co-Operative Party represents the co-operative movement in UK politics.
    • The Co-Operative Party are closely linked to the Labour Party and have an agreement not to stand against each other in elections.
  • Political candidates represent both parties, with 26 Labour and Co-Operative Party MPs in Parliament.

Jump to other topics

1Democracy & Participation

2Political Parties

3Electoral Systems

4Voting Behaviour & the Media

5Conservatism

6Liberalism

7Socialism

8The UK Constitution

9The UK Parliament

10The Prime Minister & the Executive

11Relationships Between Government Branches

12US Constitution & Federalism

13US Congress

14US Presidency

15US Supreme Court & Civil Rights

16US Democracy & Participation

17Comparing Democracies

18Feminism

19Nationalism

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