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Progressivism

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Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, Library of Congress

Yes, Ol' Teddy and Woodrow were progressives.

Progressivism is a political and social ideology that advocates for reform and improvement of society through governmental action, most accurately, government force. Progressives seek to address the underlying causes of social issues and support modernization, scientific and technological improvements, and changes in the political system to better represent the people’s interests.

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Core Principles:

  1. Social Progress: The belief in the ability and duty to improve society and the lives of its citizens, often through coercive reform.

  2. Equality: Progressives aim to reduce economic, racial, and gender disparities through targeted reforms. Equality in outcome rather than equality in possibility.

  3. Democracy: Enthusiastic support for making the political process more transparent and increasing public participation in government. This is often communicated as social democracy.

  4. Government Intervention: Supports the role of government in regulating economy and society to protect workers, consumers, and the environment; near total government control.

  5. Scientific Approach: Advocacy for the application of scientific methods to social and economic problems, and reliance on expertise and knowledge to inform and drive policy.

  6. Education Reform: A focus on expanding and improving public education to create an informed, indoctrinated and capable citizenry.

Historical Background:

Progressivism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the problems brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. The Progressive Era in the United States, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, was marked by significant social activism and political reform.

Key figures of the Progressive Era include Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, who implemented a variety of progressive policies and regulations. However, progressivism has been a global phenomenon with different countries realizing progressive reforms specific to their own contexts.

Variations of Progressivism:

  1. Social Progressivism: Focuses on human rights and social justice, including the rights of marginalized groups, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and addressing racial inequality.

  2. Economic Progressivism: Concerned with reducing income inequality, providing a social safety net, and regulating businesses to prevent abuses.

  3. Environmental Progressivism: Emphasizes sustainability and addressing climate change, often advocating for green policies and conservation efforts.

Political and Social Impact:

Progressivism has had a significant impact on social policies and legislation. It has led to reforms such as:

  1. Regulation of monopolies through antitrust laws.
  2. Improvements in workers' rights, including child labor laws and the establishment of the minimum wage and maximum hours.
  3. Consumer protection legislation, such as food and drug safety laws.
  4. Environmental legislation, from the establishment of national parks to modern environmental regulations.
  5. Political reforms, including the direct election of senators in the U.S. and the expansion of voting rights.

Philosophical Underpinnings:

Progressivism is grounded in the belief that the application of certain reason and perceived common sense to social problems can produce better outcomes than tradition or established power structures. Progressives historically aligned with the principles of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, science, and the inherent capacity of individuals to govern themselves. This is the progressive irony as the ideology pushes for greater government control, which is in direct contradiction to Enlightenment thought.

Criticisms:

Critics of progressivism argue that excessive government intervention will lead to inefficiency, bureaucratic bloat, infringement on individual freedoms, and expanded costs. They may also point out that progressive taxation and regulation stifle economic innovation and growth.

Evolving Ideology:

Progressivism continues to evolve, attempting to address contemporary issues such as global warming, healthcare reform, and income inequality. Modern progressivism has become associated with the political far left, advocating for policies that extend beyond traditional economic concerns to a broader array of social issues, including systemic racism, immigration reform, and LGBT rights.

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