Ideologies and Key Characteristics Study Guide

Political and Economic Ideologies

• Individualism: Focuses on individual rights, freedoms, self-interest, competition, economic freedom, rule of law, and private property.

• Collectivism: Focuses on collective interest, cooperation, collective responsibility, economic equality, and public ownership.

• Classical Liberalism: Defined by laissez-faire economics, limited government, and individual rights.

• Modern Liberalism: Characterized by government intervention, social programs, and greater equality.

• Communism: Aims for a classless society, public ownership, and economic equality.

• Socialism: Involves some public ownership, equality, and a welfare state.

• Conservatism: Centers on traditional values and limited government intervention.

• Fascism: Defined by extreme nationalism, racism, dictatorship, control of media, and militarism.

• Ideological Spectrum: Spans left to right (collectivism to individualism) alongside authoritarianism vs. democracy.

Key Philosophers

• John Locke: Natural rights, consent of the governed, and limited gov't.

• Thomas Hobbes: Strong government; viewed humans as selfish.

• John Stuart Mill: Harm principle and individual freedoms.

• Adam Smith: Invisible hand, free market, and competition.

• Karl Marx: Class struggle, overthrowing capitalism, and collectivism.

Core Ideological Principles

• Principles of Liberalism:

  • Rule of law

  • Individual rights & freedoms

  • Economic freedom

  • Self-interest

  • Competition

  • Private property

  • Democracy & accountability of leaders

• Principles of Collectivism:

  • Public ownership

  • Collective responsibility

  • Cooperation

  • Economic equality

  • Collective interest

  • Adherence to norms

Reactions to Industrialization

• Laissez-faire Capitalism: Created harsh conditions leading to critiques of capitalism over inequality and exploitation.

• Political and Economic Shifts: Sparked the rise of labour unions, socialism, and modern liberalism.