Collectivism is key in the policies of Old Labour. Collectivism means for the people to care for society around them. This includes the increase of power to trade unions. This is where the employees are given rights to exploitation. Also they believe in nationalisation which is where businesses are set up and run for the people to be benefited from.
However now since Clause IV has been re-written New Labour believed in the decrease of trade unions. This is because in 1984 Trade unions were becoming too powerful. For example; in the 1970’s and 80’s under Thatcher, trade unions became so outrageous such as the miner’s strike and the 3-day week it led to Thatcher who was determined to diminish the power of them which therefore led to a reform in trade unions.
New Labour also believes in Privatisation, which is the opposite of Old Labours nationalisation. It was a theory formed that if businesses were made private more money would be spread around the economy to help everyone not only the rich or poor. For example; the trickle down theory put into place by Margaret Thatcher. This was based upon the theory of lowering tax which would help the rich get richer by developing businesses, industry and therefore meaning for the poor to get richer at the same time, which therefore in theory means a stronger working economy.
However these similarities therefore show us to a lesser extent have the Labour party broken from its traditional roots. This is because Old Labour believed in the people which is why they were in favour of trade unions and nationalisation because this allowed more power to the demos however New Labour isn’t as strongly focused on the people which is why Tony Blair abolished nationalisation and lowered the power of the trade unions.
New Labour and Tony Blair believed in Communitarianism, which puts emphasis onto the community or caring individualism, decisions at community level and less reliance on the state. However it also does say restrained ‘caring’ individualism which means you can be as successful or have as much money as you wish but be aware of the society and community around you.
Old Labour believed in collectivism, which is run on a similar concept to communitariasm, this therefore gives the ability to create a like between Old and New Labour. Collectivism is also the theory of where you should care for others and your own community
Old Labour extol state welfare, they see it as a key factor in making a compassionate and caring society. The taxation this involves is also justified as a part of redistributing the wealth to others who need it more then others. Unlike New Labour, Old Labour also does not support privatisation as it marks the return to a ‘heartless, weak to the wall society’ and takes power away from the people.
However New Labour rejects the neo-liberal, minimalist view of state welfare, but accepts that the nature of state welfare must be changed to reflect a society very different from the one that the report from Beveridge perceived. Again for example; the redistribution of wealth theory and NHS that were both systems created for helping the poor. New Labour also has a greater emphasis on upon individual achievement and responsibility. So therefore unlike Old labour, New Labour believes that the Welfare State should be decreased as it gives people the incentive to go out and get a job whereas Old Labour believe in the increase of the Welfare state as it is not fair that one person should get more then another, no matter who hard they work.
For example. ‘Equitable distribution’ or redistribution of wealth (quoted from clause IV)
Which is the theory based upon taking from the rich and giving to the poor. This is a very strong ideology of Old Labour.
Altogether I think to a larger extent labour has broken from its traditional roots for many reasons. However I think this is proven by the fact that before clause IV was re-written by Tony
Blair the labour party were going through immense downfall when votes were concerned so therefore this proves to us that Labour as a party has moved a long way as now being the reigning party since 1994.
However I think that the main factor involved in deciding whether New Labour has broke away from its traditional roots is the Welfare State plight.
Old Labour believe in increasing Welfare State, as a part of their socialist beliefs which is a complete contrast to New Labour who believe in decreasing the welfare state and trying to make employment levels rise. However although New Labour is currently claiming the highest amount of seats the future for the Labour party all depends on the chosen leader to stand, because if Gordon Brown is elected in the labour party will shift more left towards Old Labour. This explains to us that the only thing that’s changed in the Labour party is Tony Blair, but in reality not all the Labour party has changed with Tony Blair to New Labour.
For example. Many of the Labour Party did not support Blair for the Iraq war.
By Jodie Tuley
