Understanding Political Ideologies: Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism, and Communism

Posted on Jan 12, 2025 in Social sciences

Understanding Political Ideologies

Conservatism (1815-1860)

  • Conservatism is a political and social philosophy promoting traditional social institutions in the context of culture and civilization.
  • The central tenets of conservatism include tradition, human imperfection, organic solidarity, hierarchy, authority, and property rights.
  • Human beings are better off when guided and sheltered by authority.
  • It is against the ideals of Liberalism and Socialism.
  • Highest goods: security, stability, order.
  • Free individuals are willing to sin.
  • Enemy: those seeking freedom from tradition.
  • Social stability requires physical force.
  • During the Continental System, France demanded money and men from the dependent countries in Europe; Europeans began to feel Napoleon was using them merely as tools against England, leading to the use of nationalism against Napoleon’s empire and both Conservatism and Liberalism rose up against Napoleon.
  • The holding of political views that favor free enterprise, private ownership, and socially conservative ideas.

Liberalism (1800-1900)

  • John Locke
  • Considered the most characteristic ideology of the 19th century.
  • Both Conservatism and Liberalism rose up against Napoleon.
  • Human beings are better off when free.
  • Highest goods:
    • Freedom for the individual.
  • Enemy: the ones who try to repress individual freedom.
  • A political and moral philosophy based on liberty and equality.

Socialism

  • Karl Marx
  • Attacked both liberals and conservatives.
  • Human beings are better off when firmly bound together in harmonious union:
    • Substantial, social, and economic equality.
  • Highest goods:
    • Harmony and cooperation.
  • Enemy: those who violated fraternal feelings.
  • Eventually, Republicanism diverted towards socialism.
  • The former Soviet Union is an example of a socialist system. Cuba is an example of a socialist nation. Its economy is state-run and it lacks a stock exchange. Healthcare and education are all completely managed and administered by the government.

Communism

  • Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
  • Uncertain synonym of socialism.
  • Marx and Engels used the word Communism in 1848 to differentiate their variety of socialism.
  • System of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs.
  • A group of German revolutionaries took the name for themselves in 1845.
  • The word’s use revived after the Russian Revolution of 1917.
  • The goal of communism is to create a stateless, classless society.
  • Communist thinkers believe this can happen if the people take away the power of the bourgeoisie (the ruling class, who own the means of production) and establish worker control of the means of production.