liberalism - the state and economy

All liberals

Believe the state should exist to protect individual rights and freedoms

Classical liberals

Support a limited state that protects liberty and property

Modern liberals

More active state that promoted equality of opportunity through welfare and public services

Locke CL - state

State exists through the social contract and the role is to protect natural rights (life, liberty, property).

Government must be by consent and must be overturned if it turns tyrannical

Rawls ML - state

The state should be used to promote fairness and equality. Some distribution of wealth to support the least advantaged in society - original position and veil of ignorance thought experiment.

Mill (bridge) - state

ML tendencies on state

The state should support individual liberty and the harm principle - the state should only be involved in peoples lives if they’re at risk

All liberals on the economy

The economy works best when individual are free to make their own economic choices.

Support private property, competition, and free markets because these encourage wealth creation, efficiency, and individual freedom.

Classical liberals on economy

Favour a laissez faire economy with very limited government intervention, arguing that markets are self-regulating.

Modern liberalism on economy

Accept a greater role for the state. In the economy, believing government should regulate markets and provide welfare to reduce inequality and ensure equal opportunities.

Locke CL - economy

Private property as a natural right. Individuals are entitled to the wealth they create with their labour (therefore, not in favour of heavy taxation).

Government should protect property rights rather than interfere in the economy.

Mill (bridge, classical tendencies) - economy

In favour of free markets and competitions as they support individual freedom and progress.

Supports some state intervention to improve peoples opportunities such as in education.

 

Rawls ML - economy

Inequalities are only acceptable if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

Supported state action to promote fair equality of opportunity and reduce excessive inequality.

Adam Smith CL - economy

Free markets, competition, and private enterprise create prosperity

Government intervention should be limited because the economy functions best when individuals are free to pursue their own economic interests

Competition between businesses encouraged efficiency, lowers pride, and increases wealth

Wollstonecraft CL - economy and state

State should protect rights, freedom and equality but criticised governments that denied woman the same opportunities as men. She argued that women should have access to education and employment, allowing them to become economically independent rather than dependent on men.

Friedan ML - state and economy

State should promote gender equality by challenging discrimination and ensuring women have the same opportunities and rights as men. The economy should provide equal opportunities for women, allowing them to pursue careers, achieve economic independence, and fulfil their potential.

Main debated between liberals on the role of the state

Liberal views on the economy

Liberal views on the economy pt2