Question 37 from UPSC CSE 2020 - POLITY & GOVERNANC E

Question

One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. the final goal of a stateless society

Strategy: The strategy focuses on identifying a fundamental commonality in the core ideals of Gandhism and Marxism. Specifically, the concept of a 'stateless society' represents the ultimate vision in both philosophies, despite their sharply diverging methods. Other options emphasizing Marxist tenets like class struggle or abolition of private property are not central to Gandhism, thus highlighting the uniqueness of a shared stateless society ideal.

Key Info: Both Gandhism and Marxism ultimately envision a stateless society, though their paths to achieve it diverge significantly.

**Gandhism's Vision:**
*   Advocates for a decentralized, self-reliant, self-governing village republics.
*   Achieved non-violently through constructive programs and moral transformation.
*   Rejects violent revolution, class conflict, and dictatorship.
*   Favors trusteeship and cooperative local economies.
*   Example: The concept of 'Ram Rajya' aims for a stateless, non-exploitative order.

**Marxism's Vision:**
*   Envisions a stateless, classless society arising after a proletarian revolution and the abolition of class distinctions.
*   Predicts the eventual "withering away of the state."
*   Emphasizes class struggle, historical materialism, economic determinism, and abolition of private property via revolutionary means.
*   Example: Communist ideology anticipates the end of the state following a proletariat revolution.

**Contrasting Elements:**
*   Gandhism rejects violent revolution; Marxism centers on it.
*   Gandhism rejects class conflict; Marxism emphasizes class struggle.
*   Abolition of private property is a core Marxist aim, not Gandhian.

The shared goal of a stateless society represents a unique commonality despite their otherwise distinct ideological frameworks.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: class struggle

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: abolition of private property

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: economic determinism