What is “liberalism”?

"Neoliberalism" more often refers to politics that view all people as individuals in a "free market society", and promotes reduction of government spending and increasing privatisation in the capitalist economy and society. Those on the far-left usually view neoliberalism with disdain, claiming it as ineffective at gaining meaningful traction and counter-productive in helping to establish positive progress and systematic change in society, especially in regards to human and civil rights.

"Liberal" is a bit more of a general term (one of the vaguest terms in political discourse) and though traditionally a left-wing term, it is often seen as being "in between" the political left and right. It promotes individual freedoms and liberty, but has a lot of the same problems that come with "neoliberalism". As a general rule, "liberal" philosophies don't generally advocate revolution or efforts to reinvent social or economic systems at their roots, but believe that any flaws in a currently present system that is causing suffering can find salvation through consumer action, or government regulation, etc.

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