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Capitalism vs Socialism

Engage in a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to explore the concepts of capitalism and socialism. Reflect on the fairness of the game and its relation to Marxist theory. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of a classless society. Evaluate real-world examples of socialism and capitalism.

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Capitalism vs Socialism

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  1. Capitalism vs Socialism Rock, Paper, Scissors Game

  2. The Rules:DO NOT EAT YOUR CANDY! • Two opponents face off at one time. • The winner takes one lifesaver from the loser. • You may compete as long as you have at least one lifesaver. When you lose all of your candy, return to your seat. • When at your seat, get out a piece of paper and answer the questions on the next slide.

  3. Debriefing • How did you feel at the start of the game? • How did you feel when you ran out of candy and had to quit the game? • What could you have done to get back into the game? • Why didn’t you do this? • Do you think this game was fair? Why or why not? • Now that the game is over, what action could Mrs. Silverman take, if any, to make the game fair? Should she do this? Why or why not?

  4. Karl Marx and Communist Theory • Marx believed that the capitalist system would eventually destroy itself • He believed the large proletariat (working class) would revolt and seize factories/mills from the capitalists and produce what society needs • Eventually, the gov’t would whither away and a classless society would share all goods/services equally • HOW DOES THIS THEORY RELATE TO OUR GAME…?

  5. Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game CAPITALISM Private Ownership Freedom of Competition Results in Unequal Economic Classes CLASS STRUGGLE Wealthy class and workers struggle over money CAPITALISM Students own candy Played R/P/S Some Won/Most Lost Everything CLASS STRUGGLE Winners and losers struggle over candy

  6. Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game WORKERS REVOLT! Working class carries out plan to overtake upper class SOCIALISM Government owns industry GOAL: Economic Equality Aims for a classless society WORKERS REVOLT! Plan to get candy back (steal) & argue about fairness SOCIALISM Mrs. S. collects candy Redistributes candy equally Students have same amount of candy

  7. Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game COMMUNISM Goal of a classless society is achieved; Goods/services shared equally No government is needed COMMUNISM Students refuse to play the game again but share candy equally Mrs. S would no longer need to supervise

  8. Recap… • The game (capitalism) started with an unequal distribution of candy (wealth). A few students (the wealthy) had far greater resources than the rest of the class (the working class).

  9. Recap… • A few students (the wealthy) were able to prosper during the game (capitalism). Their advantage made it virtually impossible for the rest of the students (working class) to succeed in the game (capitalism)

  10. Recap… • Those who succeeded (the wealthy) in the game (capitalism) support it. Those who did not succeed (the working class) pointed out its unfairness and generally wanted to change the game (change the system).

  11. Recap… • As frustration with the game (capitalism) mounted, some students (working class) suggested alternative solutions for making distribution of candy (wealth) more equal (socialism).

  12. Recap… • Mrs. Silverman (government) collected the candy (wealth) and redistributed them equally (socialism). Thus, no student had more candy (wealth) than another (resulting in a classless society).

  13. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: • Based on this activity, what are some advantages of a Marxist, classless society? What are some disadvantages? • What do you think workers in England (or peasants in Russia) might have thought about Marx’s ideas? • Are there any organizations or governments in the world today that adhere to Marx’s ideas?

  14. SOCIALIST or CAPITALIST? • Milton High School • A child’s lemonade stand • A soup kitchen • A government that provides health care for all citizens • The local fire department • The Dow Jones industrial average increased 15 points (Stock Market)

  15. SOCIALIST or CAPITALIST? • You sell a candy bar for 25 cents more than what you bought it for • Yosemite National Park • Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Company • The Post Office • Mrs. Silverman rewards students with A’s on test with candy • Group members all get the same grade on a project

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