New Labour example essay topic

To what extent has "new" Labour broken with the Party's traditional values and ideas? (30) Traditionally, Labour were a Democratic Socialist party believing in power for the work force and benefits for the under privileged in the form of the welfare state. Labour believed in 'collectivism' where wealth was redistributed, and groups were set up to represent the masses. Linked to this was 'distributive justice' which included a progressive tax system and inheritance and wealth taxes.

Another point was 'social ownership of means of production' by where the basic utilities are owned by the state and benefit not only the workers but also the country as a whole; thus putting profit back into society and avoiding competition. A major ideal held by the traditional party was 'equality' allowing education to be open to all and society was based purely on merit. Following the party's major shift to the left and the introduction of Margaret Thatcher as leader of the Conservative party, Labour became unelectable and more extreme. From 1979 to 1990, Thatcher gained and remained in power and counteracted many of the policies put in place by the Labour government, such as privatisation of public utilities and a decrease in the power given to the trade unions. From this point onwards, Labour realised they must change and adjust their ideology to suit the modern electorate and give them contemporary policies. Labour then formed the 'Third Way' or 'New' Labour.

Along with this new and updated party, Blair gained power in 1997 bringing in the economic state of the Thatcher era with radical constitutional reform as described by Heywood in 'Talking Politics'. Labour is now more concerned with the interests of the consumers, whereas before with their social democracy, were advancing the interests of the working class. The size and availability of the welfare state has decreased so stopping unnecessary handouts. The principles of it are still there such as benefits for the underprivileged in society but they have altered their ideas too in accepting the private sector for healthcare and working alongside it. In economic terms, the 'third way' differs from old Labour.

Labour now see the free market as a good step towards a better country but still maintain the minimum wage allowing fairness in the workplace. Sofar as Law and order are concerned, Labour still believe that the causes and roots of crime should be looked at but there should still be harsh but fair punishments for the perpetrators. Labour want to take responsibility for their social citizenship and ad hear to their responsibilities giving them more rights. The conservative party or 'the new right' have also undertaken major political ideology changes, adopting more of the traditional democratic socialist views that Labour did and still hold. In doing this the two parties still remain adversarial on their bread and butter politics giving the electorate a choice on who to vote for.