We explain what progressivism is, how it originated, and what its objectives are. In addition, its general characteristics, diversity, and criticism.

What is Progressivism?

Progressivism is called the different political, philosophical, social and economic doctrines characterized by a certain political pragmatism and by the defense of the civil rights of equality, freedom and justice , having the indefinite progress of the societies in these matters as north.

In general, progressives are linked to political positions on the left or center-left , but there are also progressives on the right. In any case, the term is the complete opposite of  conservatism .

This term is strongly linked to the struggles of various contemporary social groups such as feminism , sex diversity or ecology , which ensure a continuous state of reforms and openings in the fabric of society to make it more inclusive and democratic.

Characteristics of progressivism :

Source

Progressivism has its origins in the French Revolution of 1789 , in which the French people overthrew the absolutist monarchy and drew up, among other things, the first universal declaration of human rights .However, the term resurfaced in the framework of the 19th century and its Liberal Revolution to designate the supporters of social change and economic and cultural transformations, against the conservatives who advocated a return to the Old Regime. The term  progressive is currently related to that of reformist.

Approach

Its main approach has to do with the need for the State to guarantee equality of social and economic conditions among citizens , so that it is their individual performance and not the inherited benefits that decide their destiny and place in society. Thus, social inequality would be determined only by human effort.

Secularist

Progressivism pursues a non-religious society , that is, one in which the Church and the spiritual institutions of man exist apart from all political and economic tenor, allowing matters of the State to be the exclusive concern of politicians.

Democratic

Especially from the most conservative sectors, progressivism is criticized for its desire for constant change, which would practically make it a value in itself and not the way to achieve an established goal.They have also been criticized progressives’ certain double standards when assessing violations of human rights regimes left compared to the right.

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