A three-page pamphlet, titled ‘What Socialism Is’, was published in 1890 by the socialist political think tank, the Fabian Society. It was written by Irish playwright and Fabian, George Bernard Shaw.
In the pamphlet Shaw addresses the issues of private property, labour, poverty, education, and the dominance of the rich, upper classes in government. Shaw writes:
Poverty and riches together mean the perversion of our capital and industry to the production of frippery and luxury whilst the nation is rotting for want of good food, thorough instruction, and wholesome clothes and dwellings for the masses.He continues, ‘Socialism means equal rights and opportunities for all’, and sets out the Fabian vision for nationalisation (i.e. government control and ownership) of ‘land and machinery’ – or, in other words, property, including housing and industry, such as the railways.
What was the Fabian Society?
The Fabian Society was founded in 1884. Its members were united in a belief that capitalism had produced an unequal, unjust and flawed society. Their vision was to transform Britain through debate-based, gradual change via local government and trade unions. Unlike some other socialists, the Fabians opposed direct revolutionary action or the use of violence as a means to agitate for change. Many Fabians played key roles in the foundation of the Labour Party in 1900.G B Shaw and the Fabian Society
Beginning with a political manifesto in 1884, Shaw regularly wrote pamphlets and speeches for the Society. The production of this kind of literature was a key element of the Fabian Society’s reformist approach. It was viewed as an opportunity to circulate facts about living conditions and other social issues, and promote socialist ideas to the public.Shaw remained a committed socialist throughout his life and career. Many of his plays, including Mrs Warren's Profession and Pygmalion, are underpinned by socialist politics, addressing issues such as women’s rights, poverty and capitalism.
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