Which political ideology do you most identify with?

Communism

Communism is a political ideology that advocates for a classless society where all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. The concept of communism originated from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the mid-19th century, as outlined in their famous work, "The Communist Manifesto." They argued that society's history was a history of class struggles, and that the proletariat, or working class, would eventually rise up against the bourgeoisie, or capitalist class, to establish a communist society.

Communism is often assoc…  Read moreiated with the theory of Marxism, which posits that societal change comes about through the struggle between different classes within society. Marx and Engels believed that capitalism, the economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods, was inherently exploitative. They argued that the working class was not receiving a fair share of society's wealth and that the capitalist system would eventually self-destruct and be replaced by communism.

Socialism

Socialism is a political ideology that advocates for the collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. It emphasizes the principle that wealth and income should be shared more equally among the people. Socialists argue that the distribution of wealth and power in a society should be controlled by the whole community rather than by individuals or private corporations.

The roots of socialism as a political ideology can be traced back to the French Revolution in the late 18th century, but it was not until the 19th century that it…  Read more began to gain significant traction. Early forms of socialism were largely utopian and idealistic, with thinkers like Robert Owen and Charles Fourier envisioning societies based on cooperation and equality.

Libertarianism

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that upholds liberty as a core principle. Libertarians seek to maximize political freedom and autonomy, emphasizing freedom of choice, voluntary association, and individual judgment. They believe in the principle of self-ownership and reject any form of coercion or force that infringes upon individual rights. This ideology is often associated with a laissez-faire economic perspective, advocating for minimal state intervention in the economy and the free market.

The roots of libertarianism can be traced back to the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th centur…  Read morey, where the ideas of individual liberty and free markets were first articulated by philosophers like John Locke and Adam Smith. Locke's concept of "natural rights" to life, liberty, and property had a profound influence on the development of libertarian thought. Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" provided the foundation for free-market economic theory, which is a key component of libertarianism.

Libertarian Socialism

Libertarian Socialism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of both the state and capitalism, favoring a society based on voluntary, cooperative institutions. These institutions would be owned and managed democratically by the people who use them or work in them. Libertarian Socialism is also known as left-libertarianism, socialist libertarianism, or anarchism. It is a broad category of political philosophies, which oppose authoritarian state intervention in the lives of individuals, while also opposing the injustice of economic inequality, which they believe is perpetuat…  Read moreed by private property rights.

Conservatism

Conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes the preservation of traditional institutions, practices, and moral values. It is rooted in a resistance to rapid change and a preference for gradual evolution, with a strong focus on maintaining social stability and continuity. The ideology often advocates for limited government intervention, free market capitalism, and individual liberties.

The origins of conservatism can be traced back to the late 18th century, during the period of the Enlightenment. It emerged as a reaction to the radical political changes brought about by the French Revo…  Read morelution. Edmund Burke, a British statesman and philosopher, is often credited as the founding father of modern conservatism. He argued that society should evolve slowly and organically, rather than through abrupt and radical change, which he believed could lead to anarchy and tyranny.

Eco-Socialism

Eco-socialism, also known as ecological socialism or green socialism, is a political ideology that merges aspects of socialism with that of green politics, ecology, and alter-globalization. It advocates for the harmonious coexistence of human societies with the natural world, which eco-socialists argue is not possible under the current global capitalist system. Eco-socialism is an ideology that seeks to eliminate the excessive consumption and economic inequality driven by capitalism, which it views as destructive to the environment and the cause of social inequality.

The roots of eco-socialism…  Read more can be traced back to the 19th century, with the works of philosophers and social theorists like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who highlighted the destructive impact of industrial capitalism on the natural world. However, the term "eco-socialism" itself was not coined until the 1980s, when it was used to describe an emerging political movement that sought to unite the causes of ecology and socialism.

Left

The "Left" political ideology is a broad term that encompasses a range of beliefs and values centered around the idea of promoting social equality, justice, and solidarity. It is often associated with advocating for government intervention in the economy to address issues of inequality and poverty, as well as supporting policies that protect workers' rights, provide social welfare programs, and ensure access to healthcare and education for all citizens.

The roots of the Left can be traced back to the Enlightenment era in Europe, where thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl…  Read more Marx laid the groundwork for socialist and communist ideologies. These ideologies gained momentum in the 19th and 20th centuries as industrialization led to widespread exploitation of workers and growing economic inequality.

Social Conservatism

Social conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes traditional social institutions and values. It is often associated with the belief that society should uphold certain traditional norms and values, such as family structure, religion, morality, and patriotism. Social conservatives often resist progressive changes that they believe could disrupt the social order, such as same-sex marriage, abortion, and drug legalization.

The roots of social conservatism can be traced back to the 18th century, during the period of the Enlightenment. The French philosopher Edmund Burke is often consider…  Read moreed the father of modern conservatism. He argued for the preservation of established traditions and institutions, and against radical changes in society. Burke's ideas were a response to the French Revolution, which he saw as a dangerous and destructive force that threatened to upend the social order.

Democratic Socialism

Democratic Socialism is a political ideology that combines the principles of democracy with the ideals of socialism. It advocates for a democratic political system alongside a socialist economic system. This means that democratic socialists believe in political democracy, but they also believe that the economy should be socially owned and controlled by the people who work in it, rather than by a small group of wealthy individuals or corporations.

Democratic socialism is different from traditional socialism, which often involves an authoritarian government that controls the economy. Instead,…  Read more democratic socialists argue for a democratic political system where the people have a say in how the economy is run. They believe that wealth and resources should be distributed equitably among the people, and that the government should play an active role in ensuring this happens.

Christian Humanism

Christian Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that combines Christian ethics and humanist principles. It is a political ideology that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence over acceptance of dogma or superstition. The term itself has a broad meaning and can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the context.

Christian Humanism emerged during the Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement that began in Italy during the 14th century and lasted until the 17th century…  Read more. This was a time when people started to place a greater emphasis on the value of the individual. The Renaissance humanists were scholars who studied the classical texts of ancient Greece and Rome, and they sought to apply the moral and ethical teachings of these texts to their own lives.

Individualism

Individualism is a political ideology that emphasizes the moral worth and inherent rights of the individual. It is rooted in the belief that each person has a unique identity and set of interests that should be respected and protected. Individualists argue that individuals should be allowed to make their own choices and decisions, free from government interference or societal pressure. They believe that personal freedom and self-reliance are the keys to prosperity and happiness.

The origins of individualism as a political ideology can be traced back to the Enlightenment period in the 17th and…  Read more 18th centuries. During this time, philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes began to challenge the traditional notion of the divine right of kings and the collective rights of the community. They argued that individuals have natural rights that are inherent and inalienable, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These ideas laid the groundwork for the development of liberal democracy and the concept of individual rights.

Humanistic Capitalism

Humanistic Capitalism is a political ideology that combines the principles of capitalism with a strong emphasis on human values, social equality, and ethical considerations. It is a system that seeks to balance the pursuit of profit with the welfare of individuals and society as a whole. This ideology is rooted in the belief that businesses and economic systems should not only focus on generating wealth, but also on improving the human condition and promoting social justice.

The concept of Humanistic Capitalism is not new, but it has gained more attention in recent years due to growing concern…  Read mores about income inequality, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. It is a response to the perceived shortcomings of traditional capitalism, which critics argue can lead to exploitation, social inequality, and environmental degradation.

Temperance

The Temperance political ideology is a movement that advocates for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption. It emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The ideology was driven by the belief that alcohol was the root cause of many societal issues, including domestic violence and poverty.

The Temperance movement gained significant momentum in the 19th century, with various organizations being established to promote its cause. These organizations often had religious…  Read more affiliations, as many religious groups viewed alcohol as sinful and destructive. They used various methods to promote their cause, including public lectures, pamphlets, and lobbying for legislative changes.

Conspiracism

Conspiracism is a political ideology that is largely based on the belief in conspiracy theories. It is characterized by the conviction that significant events, trends, and outcomes in society, politics, and economics are the result of secret plots by covert groups or individuals. Conspiracists often believe that these hidden forces are working against the common good, manipulating events to serve their own interests or agendas.

The history of conspiracism is as old as politics itself. Throughout history, people have often sought to explain complex or troubling events by attributing them to the…  Read more actions of hidden, malevolent forces. This tendency has been amplified in times of social stress or upheaval, when traditional explanations may seem inadequate.

Settler Interests

"Settler Interests" is a political ideology that primarily focuses on the interests and rights of settlers, particularly those who have migrated and established communities in new territories. This ideology has its roots in the historical context of colonialism, where settlers from powerful nations would establish colonies in less developed or uncharted territories.

The ideology of Settler Interests is often associated with the belief in the right to secure and protect the interests of the settler community, which may include land rights, political representation, economic opportuni…  Read moreties, and cultural preservation. It is often seen in the context of settler colonialism, where settlers aim to replace the original population with their own society.

Anti-LGBT

The "Anti-LGBT" political ideology refers to a set of beliefs, attitudes, and policies that oppose or discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and their rights. This ideology is often rooted in religious, moral, or social convictions that perceive non-heterosexual orientations and non-cisgender identities as unnatural, immoral, or a threat to traditional societal norms.

The history of anti-LGBT political ideology is as old as the recognition of LGBT identities themselves. Throughout history, societies across the globe have held varying attitudes…  Read more towards homosexuality and gender non-conformity, ranging from acceptance and integration to persecution and criminalization.

Economic Liberalism

Economic liberalism is a political ideology that advocates for a minimal role for the government in the economy. It is based on the principles of individual freedom, private property rights, free markets, and competition. Economic liberals believe that these principles lead to the most efficient allocation of resources and the greatest overall prosperity. They argue that government intervention in the economy, such as through regulation or taxation, often does more harm than good by distorting market signals and creating inefficiencies.

The roots of economic liberalism can be traced back to…  Read more the Enlightenment period in the 18th century, particularly to the work of Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher and economist. Smith's book, "The Wealth of Nations," published in 1776, is often considered the foundational text of economic liberalism. In it, Smith argued that individuals pursuing their own self-interest in free markets would lead to an "invisible hand" that promotes the general welfare of society.