Political ideologies: Social Liberalism

Social liberalism debates that beneficial liberty is indispensable for global human freedom, especially for the poor. Therefore, the government should involve themselves in economic matters for the sake of the unprivileged members of the society (Adams, 2001). Social Liberals equally support the enforcement of agricultural reforms and land leases and are also in favour of a solid and well-controlled state.

Were you surprised by the political ideology to which you belong? Why or why not?

In the United States, the general situation is in conformity to the ideals of social liberalism which I have no problems with, I have no reservations for and may even dare to say, I like.

What are the origins of that political ideology?

The sociologists, economists and philosophers who lived in the 1700s and the early 1800s created a political framework which guided social policy in England, later the United States, then Europe and finally other inhabited areas of the world. In all these regions, no one fully followed this framework (Adams, 2001; von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, 1997). One of the early influential liberals who lived in the United States was John Locke, the English philosopher. Analysing his political documents, which had a huge influence on those who produced the American Constitution, they spoke in support of popular leadership, the freedom to fight back against oppression and the freedom of small religious groups to exist among others. From the reasoning of Locke as well as his several followers, the government's role is not the fostering of the spiritual salvation of the people but rather the serving of the citizens and the assurance of their lives, freedom and possessions with the guidance of a constitution (Liberalism, 2016).

Three factors aid the understanding of the popularity of social liberalism. First of all, this new liberalism was created in the late 1800s and early 1900s, during this period, the strength a free market had in encouraging a 'prosperous equilibrium' was under scrutiny. Secondly, the shift to democracy in Western states and the mentality that the rulers can be true "representatives of the community", a situation which has never occurred before, played a part. Thirdly, a heightened mentality on property rights which believed that aside from its portrayal as the guardian for all the other rights, property rights created an unequal power distribution which led to unequal freedoms for the middle class (Gaus, Courtland & Schmidtz, 2011).

What are your ideology's prospects for future political success?

The short-term acceptance of social liberal ideas is an achievable act, especially for the democracy-loving Americans simply because Americans are in love with freedom or feign to, therefore liberalism is accepted because among its several benefits, it offers freedom. Nonetheless, as time goes on, the political successes achieved by social liberalism as well as the presence of liberalism itself is not guaranteed. An end can be put to it if there is a huge movement against it (von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, 1997). This movement, most probably, will target its anarchical tendencies which turn a blind eye to a number of heinous crimes. These irregularities are left unpunished simply because the society and not individuals is to blame for them. The dangerously high crime rate is a huge problem already as there are reports of drugs among preparatory school students.

Do you anticipate that the percentage of adults/ registered voters aligned with the same political ideology as you are likely to increase or decrease in the near future?

Following the current political happenings in America, most especially the election of President Donald Trump as well as the sustained agitation in favour of the 2nd amendment, there is a widespread expectation that the population of people who are in support of this social liberalism movement would enjoy a steady increase with time

How might this ideological group impact political parties and elections?

As clearly seen from the 2016 polls, the consistent growth the group in support of social liberalism is experiencing will cause political groups and elections to focus primarily on tackling and defending the problems of the electorate.

A conclusion

American liberalism can still be subject to change unlike the National Socialism and Marxism-Leninism, however, it is a very complex ideology with several internal paradoxes. It can be referred to as a compilation of almost all the unpleasant ideals the West has created ever since the days of the French Revolution and the Enlightenment. Despite this lack of patriotic values, this ideology has become a mainstay in American society, getting stronger due to common items in American literature. This is only as a result of its intellectual deceit, which is bordered on a false majority and a covert selectiveness.

References

Adams, I. (2001). Political ideology today. Manchester. Manchester University Press.

Gaus, G., Courtland, S. D., & Schmidtz, D. (2011). Liberalism, The Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy.

Liberalism. (2016). Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopaedia, 1p. 1.

Von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, E. (1997). Liberalism in America. The Intercollegiate Review, 33(1), 44.