Does Jeremy Corbyn align himself more with traditional socialism or is he a social democrat? Why?

Throughout his political career, Jeremy Corbyn has been known as a passionate left winger of the labour party. Furthermore, many people associate Jeremy Corbyn with traditional socialism, however, since gaining control of the labour party, there are key arguments that show Corbyn has been embracing social democrat principles.

Firstly, whilst Corbyn was a backbencher, he voted for the Transport Bill May 2000. This is associated with traditional socialism because it takes away the capitalist view of profit and ensures that profit goes back into improving services for all of the people, instead of just the business holders. Therefore this links with the belief of the socialists that wealth should be a collective ownership. Corbyn also aligned himself with traditional socialism due to him supporting free education due to his belief that education should be available for everyone. This further supports traditional socialism because of agreeing with the reduction of social class divisions because currently only middle and upper class people can afford higher education.

However, Jeremy Corbyn has also proposed policies that agree with the ideology of social democracy. For example, Corbyn proposes a mixed economy which is a key idea of social democracy. In a mixed economy, there are private and public industries which are used to keep the balance between capitalism and state intervention. In addition, Corbyn has proposed the re-nationalization of utilities, such as water gas and electricity, whilst allowing free enterprise  and entrepreneurship. Jeremy Corbyn has also been a strong supporter of comprehensive social welfare which is an aspect of social democracy and has contentedly supported the NHS, a key expansion of the welfare state that was introduced through the Beveridge Report 1942.

In conclusion, Jeremy Corbyn individually aligns himself with traditional socialism and strongly supported the ideology in the backbenches. Now Corbyn is the labour party leader, there is evidence to suggest a moderate shift to social democracy, which is supported by the majority of party members.