Liberal ideology is a popular doctrine, the basic principles of which were formed in the 17th century. Its appearance is directly related to the bourgeois revolutions that took place in the 17-18 centuries. There was a struggle with the remnants of feudalism characteristic of that time. The formation of capitalism took place. Accordingly, a new era required a doctrine that would be in keeping with the spirit of the times, as the former mainstream political ideologies ceased to cope with their task. They became the so-called liberalism.
This ideology was formed under the influence of the works of such scientists as J. Mill, J. Locke, A. Smith and many others. The basic principles of this teaching were introduced in the “Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights” of 1789, as well as in the French Constitution, published in 1791.
What basic ideas does such a popular movement as liberal ideology carry? The fundamental principle is that human rights and freedoms are more priority than the needs of the state and society. That is, liberalism proclaimed individualism. The dominant link in this teaching is economic freedom, that is, the ability to safely carry out entrepreneurial activity. The basic principle of liberalism is also the importance and priority of private property over state ownership.
Consider the main features of this teaching. First, liberal ideology implies individual citizen freedom. Secondly, in teaching it is important to protect all fundamental human rights. Thirdly, it is the freedom to conduct business and the priority of private ownership of property. Fourth, it is more important than equality of opportunity than social equality. Fifth, this is the separation of civil society and the state. Sixth, this is the legal equality of people. Seventh, these are free elections for all branches of government. Eighth, this is the importance of a person’s private life and the guarantee of non-interference on the part of the state.
It is worth noting that the classical liberal ideology has led to some negative phenomena. Firstly, this is the big difference between the rich and the poor. Secondly, it is unlimited competition, which led to the absorption of small organizations by larger ones. Monopoly began to prevail in economics and politics, which contradicted the basic ideas of liberalism.
A new "heyday" of this teaching began in the 20th century. At this time, after numerous discussions, some ideas of liberalism were revised. The doctrine itself was renamed. Now it is called "neoliberalism." Consider its differences from the classical teachings. The new liberal political ideology involves agreement between subordinates and managers. It carries the ideas of democracy, that is, the mandatory participation of citizens in political life. Improved doctrine takes into account the importance of state regulation in the social and economic field (including the limitation of the formation of monopolies). Neoliberalism implies the granting of certain social rights, in particular, the right to pensions, to work and education. The doctrine assumes the protection of people from various negative consequences and influences of the market system.
Advanced liberalism is popular in most developed countries. Neoliberalism serves, as it were, the foundation for the formation of the state, which ensures the legal equality of citizens, the normal development of a market economy and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms for every person. At the moment, this teaching is considered one of the main among political ideologies.