Resource

1. Socialism and capitalism
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Task
Cut out the following statements and place them under the correct heading.
Capitalism Socialism
The traditional views of the Labour Party.
Views of Clement Attlee in 1945.
Introduced the National Health Service.
Views personified in the play by the
Inspector, which suggests that they are
well-informed, serious and important.
Younger characters come to share them.
The views of J.B. Priestley (who wrote the
play), George Bernard Shaw, and H.G.
Wells.
A set of beliefs represented by the
character of Mr Birling.
Describes people like George Bernard
Shaw, H.G. Wells, and J.B. Priestley as
‘cranks’ (an insult).
Has an attitude of ‘You’ve worked hard to
earn your money, and you should be
allowed to keep it all.’
Suggests that the poor should work harder
so that they can become rich. All people
should pay roughly the same amount of
tax.
Has an attitude of ‘You should share your
wealth, if you are rich, with those who
aren’t.’
The traditional views of the Conservative
Party. The views of Winston Churchill in
1945.
Proposes the idea of individual
responsibility, looking out for yourself and
those close to you, but not everyone in
society.
A set of beliefs represented by the
character of Inspector Goole. This set of
beliefs is very much criticised and made to
look unfair by the play.
This set of beliefs is portrayed favourably
in the play. Suggests that the rich should
support the poor, and pay higher taxes,
related to how much they earn.
Proposes the idea of living together as a
community, all looking out for and
protecting each other.
Through the technique of dramatic irony,
this political view is shown to be idiotic, as
those who hold it are shown to be fools.