Leftist

A political term that originated in the left-right political groupings in the French Estates General in 1789. Left-right political ideologies should be discussed on a continuum, even though both are positioned on opposite ends of the spectrum. The ideologies are constantly shifting abstract values that are dependent on the historical, cultural, and social developments of the particular nation-state.

Western political discourse on left or liberal ideologies is indebted to John Locke's Two Treatises of Governments. According to Locke, the governing body must respect the natural rights of its citizens and limit its powers. In doing so, the governing body forms a pact, and if it is broken, its citizens maintain the right and duty to revolt. Arguably, what differentiates left-right ideology is the idea of equal citizenship, allowing free and equal participation in political processes, and the “rectification principle,” which seeks to remedy inequalities. Leftists claim to favor equalitarianism achieved through policies such as welfare, social security, and affirmative action. Equalitarianism is rarely achieved and is usually subject to the political realities of a political entity subjected to the pressures of interest groups. For more information, see Lukes (1990).