Progressivism is a political movement that supports the greater good of a people, but its scope and beliefs vary depending on the culture, country, and governmental structure. It aims to improve the quality of life for the greatest number of citizens, but it has been associated with socialism and class-based political agendas. Progressivism first appeared during the Age of Enlightenment, and it has gathered and fallen out of favor in waves. Many countries have political parties that self-identify as progressive, but they offer slightly different forms of progressivism.
Progressivism is a political movement, belief system, or philosophy, depending on the country and era in question. The exact scope and beliefs of progressives vary depending on the culture, country of origin, and governmental structure in which a particular progressive group lives. Ultimately, progressivism supports the greater good of a people. In some countries, this is presented as support for equal access to health care, career and educational opportunities. For others, it comes across as support for reduced government oversight and general improvement for the lives of average citizens.
In general, a progressive vision supports efforts that improve the quality of life for the greatest number of citizens. Politicians and political activists are often identified as progressives when greater good causes are a strong element of choice programs, political support, or sponsored legislature. Specific programs vary from country to country, but the core ideologies associated with progressivism focus on reform for the greater good of a people.
While characterized by a noble pursuit of reform and social improvement, progressivism does not always enjoy a positive reputation. Past support for progressivism in some countries has been associated with socialism and class-based political agendas. Opposing political views often point to the fallacies associated with focusing on the greater good, as helping the greatest number of people does not help all people equally. Accusations of elitist attitudes are often made on both sides of the progressive versus conservative political argument. For example, the 1912 US presidential election saw the largest rise of progressive politicians in US history, with all candidates promoting reform and accusing the other of elitism.
The concepts of progressivism first appeared around the world around the Age of Enlightenment during the 18th century. Over the years and political climes of the ensuing centuries, progressivism and its related ideals have gathered and fallen out of favor in waves. To US political observers, progressivism is often labeled leftist, referring to a common political term for advocates of egalitarianism or the devolution of political and governmental power. During the Progressive Era, the period in United States history just before and immediately after the turn of the 20th century, progressive politics and government reform experienced a height of popularity. In the late 18th century and early 20th century, such supporters were often referred to in a derogatory light, compared to opposition to socialists or communists.
Elsewhere, progressive political agendas also wax and wane in popularity. Canada, Ireland, and many other countries have political parties that self-identify as progressive, such as the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada, Progressive Democrats in Ireland, and European Progressive Democrats across Europe. Australia’s third political party, the Australian Greens, offers a slightly different form of progressivism, dubbed The Third Way. While supporting progressive ideologies, Australian Greens seek to combine the best of Liberals, Conservatives and Progressives with a large government presence based on localized participatory democracy.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
