At a glance
Social progressivism supports changing social norms and institutions to expand equal rights, personal autonomy and inclusion for groups facing discrimination.
Core principles
- Equal citizenship; personal autonomy; gender equality; minority inclusion; opposition to discrimination; openness to changes in family and cultural norms.
Origins & development
It developed through struggles for civil rights, women’s equality and other forms of social emancipation. Its meaning depends on the inequalities and institutions of each society.
Economic outlook
The position does not require a particular ownership system. Social progressives may favor market liberalism, welfare-state reform or socialism.
Society & government
Common priorities include nondiscrimination, reproductive autonomy and equal participation. Views on religion, free expression and the proper role of regulation remain contested.
Variations & related traditions
It overlaps with feminism, liberal egalitarianism and broader progressivism. Economic progressivism addresses different, though often related, questions of income and economic power.
Debates & criticisms
Debates concern competing rights, implementation and the pace of change. Policies should be assessed individually rather than assuming that a socially progressive label fixes every economic position.