DEMOCRATIC

SOCIALISM
BY-ADRIELLE ROBY- 24010421106
ANANYA SAHU- 24010421110
AMEY PAL - 24010421083
ANVESHA GUPTA-24010421120
AKSHIT DEV SINGH-24010421073
KASHISH AHLAWAT - 24010421094
ANOUSHKA-24010421133
GAURAV SINGH RATHORE- 24010421143
 INTRODUCTION:
Democratic Socialism is a political system that combines
democracy with social ownership of important
industries. It focuses on creating equality, providing
basic needs for all, and ensuring everyone has a say in
government decisions. The presentation will explore the
core idea of democractic socialism and it’s influence
around this time.
 TIMELINE
DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM

1800s 1880s-1890s 1917s-1945s

Ideas from utopian socialists
Rise of democratic socialist Split between revolutionary socialism
and early socialist thinkers
laid the groundwork. parties (Soviet model) and democratic socialism
e.g., the Social Democratic (Western European model).
Party of Germany.

1945s-1970s 1980s-2000s 2010s-Present

Post-WWII welfare states Neoliberalism challenges Resurgence in democratic
democratic socialism, but socialism.
expand
policies persist in Europe.
e.g., Sweden, UK’s NHS.
 A New Socialist Strategy: Inside & Outside the State
From Marx & Lenin to a New Strategy
Internal Struggle – Use state institutions to push
Marx & Lenin: The state is a tool of class radical reforms

NICOS
rule → Must be smashed (revolution) External Pressure – Strengthen rank-and-file
Poulantzas: The state is a battlefield of democracy & self-management
class struggle → Must be transformed Both forces work together to create ruptures that
(democratic rupture) shift power toward the working class

Why Not “Smash” the State?

POULANT Avoiding Two Pitfalls

ZAS
The state is not just an instrument of the ruling Leninism – Risks authoritarian
class but a site of contradictions
statism & isolation
Dominated classes already hold positions within
Social Democratic Reformism –
the state (e.g., welfare state reforms)
Impossible to be completely outside the state’s Risks co-optation & stagnation
influence in modern capitalist democracies

Key Takeaway:
“Socialism will be
democratic, or it will
not be at all.” –
Poulantzas
 Workplace Democracy – Strong unions, worker
Dewey saw democracy as more than voting—it participation.
must extend to workplaces, schools, and public Public Control – Key industries serving society, not
life. Political freedom is meaningless without profit.

JOHN
economic democracy. Progressive Education – Teaching critical thinking, not
🔹 Capitalism gives power to owners, not blind obedience.
“Economic control must be taken out of the hands of
workers. True democracy means public control
individuals who exercise powers created socially for
over economic decisions.
narrow interests.”

DEWEY
A society where:
Why Capitalism Fails Democracy
People participate in decisions affecting their
Workplaces function like dictatorships—
lives.
workers have no real say.
Education and labor movements empower
Wealth inequality gives the rich outsized
individuals.
political influence.
Capitalism prioritizes profit over public good. The state ensures economic fairness, but remains
“The activity is not free because not freely democratically accountable.
participated in.” Legacy: Dewey’s socialism wasn’t about state
Freedom requires real participation in economic control but people’s empowerment.
life.
Key Takeaway
Democratic socialism is an
extension of radical
democracy—the fight for
liberty requires collective
control over economic life. -
Dewey
 CONTRAST WITH MARXISM
DEWEY MARXISM
Society changes through democratic Society changes through class
experimentation struggle & revolution
Capitalism is undemocratic, but can Capitalism must be overthrown
be reformed democratically
Ends don’t justify the means— Revolution is justified if it leads to
democratic means must be used for socialism
democratic end
No "iron laws of history"—socialism Socialism is the historical outcome
is a process, not an inevitability of capitalism’s contradictions
 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IN PRACTICE
Governments ensure access to services like healthcare, education,

✅ PUBLIC WELFARE & and employment benefits to reduce economic disparities.

EX; Sweden provide free higher education and comprehensive social
SOCIAL SECURITY security, while India implements welfare schemes like Ayushman
Bharat and MGNREGA to support citizens.

State regulates markets to prevent monopolies, ensure fair wages,

and provide public goods. Ex; Sweden’s state-owned enterprises
✅ STATE INVOLVEMENT
(SOEs) balance private sector growth, while India’s public sector IN ECONOMY
(LIC, SBI, ONGC) supports economic stability.

Strong trade unions and labor laws protect worker

✅ WORKER RIGHTS & UNIONS rights, ensuring fair wages, job security, and safe
working conditions.Imagine you work at a factory,
and your employer refuses to pay overtime.
Workers' rights ensure you can fight for fair wages.
 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IN PRACTICE
Higher-income groups pay more in taxes to
✅ PROGRESSIVE redistribute wealth and fund public welfare
TAXATION programs. Sweden’s tax rates exceed 50% for high
earners, financing free healthcare and education.

Democratic socialism operates within a multi-party

democracy, ensuring citizens have a voice in
governance. Sweden’s Social Democratic Party has
historically shaped welfare policies, while in India,
✅ DEMOCRATIC
socialist-leaning policies have been implemented by POLITICAL SYSTEM
parties like INC and CPI(M) within a democratic
framework.
 DEMOCTRATIC
SOCIALISM AND
GLOBALISATION
Democratic Socialism
Combines political democracy with social ownership of key industries and services.
Advocates for wealth redistribution, universal welfare, and reducing income inequality.
Focus on protecting workers' rights, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.
Globalization
The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies, cultures,
and societies.
Driven by advancements in technology, trade, communication, and capital mobility.
Often associated with free markets, multinational corporations, and cultural exchange.
Intersections Between Democratic Socialism & Globalization:
Economic Integration: Democratic socialism can critique the inequalities and exploitation that may
arise from global capitalism.
Social Welfare: Globalization's challenges—like job outsourcing and environmental degradation—may
require stronger social protections, a key element of democratic socialism.
Cultural Exchange vs. Local Identity: Democratic socialism may promote local culture and identity in
the face of global cultural dominance.
.
 CASE STUDY- INDIA
India, the world's largest democracy, blends Key Elements in Present-Day India
socialist principles with democratic processes to
ensure social and economic justice while 1. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) – Reducing
upholding political pluralism corruption & improving welfare distribution
Economic Equality – Reducing the rich-poor gap efficiency.
through state intervention.
Welfare State – Ensuring access to education, 2. Food Security Act (2013) – Providing subsidized
healthcare, and employment. food grains to two-thirds of the population.
Central Planning – Inspired by the Soviet model,
with Five-Year Plans guiding economic 3. MGNREGA – Guaranteeing 100 days of wage
development. employment to rural households, reducing
Secularism & Democracy – Maintaining a secular poverty.
state with political freedom and citizen
participation.
CHALLENGES &
LIMITATIONS
Fiscal Constraints & Budget Deficit
High debt burden & reliance on external loans
Risk of unsustainable spending impacting economic
stability
Inequality & Regional Disparities
Urban areas benefit more than rural regions (e.g., UP,
Bihar)
Unequal implementation due to diverse political
demands
Bureaucratic Inefficiency
Corruption & administrative delays hinder welfare
programs
Direct Benefit Transfers help, but transparency issues
remain
Globalization & Market Pressures
Market-driven reforms challenge socialist policies
Liberalization limits government intervention in
welfare
 Case Study: Sweden

95%
The Social Democratic Party, which governed for
much of the 20th century, established progressive
taxation, universal healthcare, and labor rights.

Key Features of Democratic Socialism in Sweden:-

SUCCESS STORIES
1. Strong Welfare State: Universal healthcare, free education, and generous unemployment benefits
ensure economic security.
2. Progressive Taxation: High taxes on the wealthy fund social programs, reducing inequality.
3. Public-Private Partnership: Unlike state-controlled industries in India, Sweden encourages private
business while ensuring strong labor protections.

Challenges and Criticism

High Tax Burden: Some argue that high taxes discourage entrepreneurship.
Welfare Dependence: Concerns over excessive reliance on social benefits.
Immigration Strains: The integration of migrants into the welfare system has been a recent challenge.
 CONCLUSION
Democratic socialism aims to create a fair society by balancing economic equality
with political democracy. It supports government involvement in key industries,
social welfare, and workers’ rights while maintaining democratic freedoms.
Democratic socialization ensures that people actively participate in governance
and decision-making, promoting fairness, equality, and cooperation in society.
Globalization connects economies and cultures worldwide, bringing both benefits
and challenges. While it boosts growth and innovation, it can also increase
inequality and weaken workers’ rights. Several philosophers also contributed to the
development of democratic socialism for eg. Nicos Poulantzas viewed democratic
socialism as a path to socialism through democratic institutions, ensuring workers’
rights whereas John Dewey emphasised economic democracy, education, and
political participation for true freedom and justice. In short, democratic socialism
can help make globalization fairer by ensuring economic justice and protecting
social rights. By encouraging democratic participation and international
cooperation, societies can work towards more equal and just world for everyone
 THANK
YOU VERY
MUCH!