It's true there have been, shall we say liberal capitalists with a social conscience who have tried to improve the lot of the workers. They are exceptions rather than the rule, sadly and I do not believe you can rely on generosity or philanthropy to improve conditions. If that was the case, the NHS would still be a dream not a reality. This is why direct state intervention is required as the market on its own would never provide enough.
Ah that old 'mixed economy' stuff you really are a bit of a 'softie old stlye labour' guy underneath the leftie rhetoric... go on you are aren't you !!!
Perhaps so... but I increasingly feel that market socialism has failed, as has neo-liberal capitlaism and therefore the only choice is that envisaged by Marx, Socialism or Barbarism. I choose Socialism.
RE: Ah that old 'mixed economy' stuff a more mixed economy has got to be the way to go for example nationalising the car industry was always daft since competition here is very effective in pushing forward innovation. Then consider the way British Leyland worked when Triumph wanted a v6 instead of just using an existing Rover system they spent useless money cobbling something together based on two 3 cylinder engines they were already making therefore overlooking just about the most important benefit of such industry structuring. With utilities though and railways and the post office I believe the theory of natural monopolies applies. These things should be looked upon as services and not necessarily profit making businesses, although looking at the profits of the energy companies I reckon you could nationalise that, reduce prices considerably but still make enough money to cover whatever the post office is losing, thus it wouldn;t cost anything long term and a vital community provision is maintained.
RE: Social/political analysis in terms of class I find this argument between capitalism and socialism to be pretty ridiculous - as though it's an either/or situation. You can encompass the best of differing forms....for example you need capitalism for companies to create wealth and enable the payment of taxes which can be used for social policies such as welfare and the health service.