ideologies key concepts

individualism

puts the individual above the group; includes egoistical (self-interest) and developmental (personal growth) forms.

freedom/liberty

the right to act in one’s own interests; tied to individualism and only exists under the law to protect all freedoms.

state

a necessary evil—needed to prevent disorder but must be limited to protect liberty; links to liberal support for a free-market economy.

rationalism

belief in human reason and logic; supports individuals making their own choices and shaping a progressive society.

equality/social justice

all individuals are of equal worth and deserve fair treatment; includes foundational, formal equality, and equality of opportunity.

liberal democracy

combines elections with limited government and civil liberties; valued by liberals but also treated with caution to prevent tyranny of the majority.

collectivism

collective effort is more effective and morally valuable than individual action, especially in the economy.

common humanity

humans are naturally cooperative and social; individuals are shaped by society and behave based on social context.

equality

a core socialist principle, though socialists differ on its meaning and role in shaping the state, society, economy, and human nature.

social class

people’s class shapes their life experiences; key to understanding socialist views on inequality, the role of the state, and social change.

workers’ control

advocates varying levels of economic and/or state control by workers, aiming for fairness and reduced exploitation.

pragmatism

flexible, practical decision-making based on what works; key to traditional and one-nation conservatism.

tradition

inherited wisdom and customs linking generations; provides stability, supports organic change, and gives security.

human imperfection

people are psychologically, morally, and intellectually flawed, so cannot always act rationally or wisely.

organic society/state

society is like a living body—more than the sum of individuals; justifies hierarchy, authority, and social cohesion.

paternalism

top-down, caring leadership; traditional conservatism favours authority, while one-nation conservatism sees a duty to help the less fortunate. Rejected by the New Right.

libertarianism (neo-liberalism)

emphasises individual liberty, especially economic freedom and minimal state intervention, rooted in both moral and economic beliefs.