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How has liberalism evolved over time and has it remained true to its core tenets?

Meryl Robardet

Well, well, well, if it isn't my favorite topic to talk about - liberalism! So, let's dive into the evolution of liberalism and see if it's still rocking its core tenets like a boss!

First things first, let's clarify what liberalism means. According to Google, liberalism is "a political philosophy or worldview that advocates for individual freedom and social justice, free markets, and limited government intervention in the economy." Now, that's a pretty fancy definition, but let's break it down.

Liberalism has been around since the 17th century, but it really took off during the Enlightenment era in the 18th century. Back then, liberalism was all about individual rights and the rejection of tyranny and absolute power. It was also heavily linked to the concept of capitalism, which promoted competition and free markets.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and liberalism started shifting towards more progressive ideals like workers' rights, public education, and social welfare programs. This was the age of classical liberalism, where the government was seen as a necessary entity to protect individual freedoms and promote equality.

However, the 20th century brought about even more changes to liberalism. The rise of the welfare state and the Civil Rights Movement in the US brought about a more radical form of liberalism, which focused on equality of opportunity and social justice. And let's not forget about the feminist movement and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights - these were all major victories for liberalism.

But has liberalism stayed true to its core tenets? Well, some would argue that it has strayed too far from its original philosophy of limited government intervention in the economy. The rise of neoliberalism in the 1980s and 1990s, which emphasized free markets and deregulation, has been criticized for widening the income gap and perpetuating inequality.

However, others would argue that liberalism has adapted to the changing times and needs of society. The inclusion of social welfare programs and workers' rights can be seen as an extension of liberalism's goal to promote individual freedom and equality.

In conclusion, the evolution of liberalism has been a roller coaster ride. From its roots in individual rights to its current focus on social justice, one thing is clear: liberalism is constantly adapting to the changing times and needs of society. Whether it's stayed true to its core tenets is up for debate, but one thing is for sure - it's a movement that's here to stay. Oh yeah, liberalism rocks!