Definition of Progressive Liberalism
- Progressive Liberalism stands for a combination of securing individual freedom and government intervention in the management of social institutions and law-making for the good of everyone, regardless of their social or economic position. It is usually considered to be in opposition to the more right-wing, laissez-faire political ideology that seeks to limit government intervention in people's lives as much as possible, believing that market forces should be the determining factor in social development. As Jonathan Marshall wrote, progressive liberals are "not content to rely on the laws of God or the market place for social progress."
- The ideological notions that form the core of Progressive Liberal thought can be traced back to the Reformation in 16th century England. In separating the state from the church, and thus no longer taking doctrinal orders on governance from the Vatican in Rome, The reformist English government was obliged to take more of an active role in administering the country. This coincided with the development of a more national consciousness amongst the population thanks to the advent of the printing press, the decline of feudalism and the rise of the common law. These notions subsequently spread across much of the world, including America.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Progressive Liberalism took form as a viable political movement in America, crystalized by the new social issues engendered by the rise of industrialization and the mass movement of people into cities to work in the new factories. Initially progressive reformers campaigned for laws to protect workers and to regulate child labor. The Progressive Party was formed in 1912 by Theodore Roosevelt, and sought to break the link between government and big business. Subsequent American presidents to have operated according to Progressive Liberal principles are Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.
- Progressive Liberals have been fundamental in establishing what could be called civil rights provisions in national governance, and, thus, in seeking to achieve equality among all citizens. Stemming from industrialization, labor laws have been central, seeking to end discrimination and give workers protection. In 1920 Woodrow Wilson ratified women's right to vote, in 1941 Franklin Roosevelt granted the first law to prohibit labor discrimination on the grounds of race, and in 1964 Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act that gave all people equal access to public institutions and protection in their right to vote.
- Barack Obama is generally considered to a Progressive Liberal. His reform of health provision in 2010 is seen as an archetypal Progressive Liberal act. This has produced both congratulation and criticism, depending on the commentators political allegiances. Obama's investiture was seen as a return to Progressive liberalism after the laissez-faire policies of the Bush administration. In other countries, particularly Australia and Great Britain, Progressive Liberalism is now seen as a centrist position, a "Third Way" between traditional right and left politics.
