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Western Civilization 2

Liberalism

           The main ideas espoused by the ideology of liberalism is freedom of thoughts and speech.

According to John Stuart Mill's essay, "This then is the appropriate region of human liberty. It

encompasses, first, the inward domain of consciousness, demanding liberty of conscience in the

most comprehensive sense, liberty of thoughts and feelings, absolute freedom of opinion and

sentiment on all subjects, practical or speculative, scientific, moral, or theological". (Mill 167)

From the above quote, it is apparent that the primary idea being promoted by liberalism is the

concept of freedom in different spheres of life. 

The leading advocate of the idea of liberalism is John Locke, whose primary concern was

human rights. There is numerous human right in the US today; the foundation of these rights is

the concept of liberalism. In the 19th century, some rights like freedom of speech were not the

way they are today, they have had a long journey with may advocates and social workers playing

a significant role. Nevertheless, these civil rights are founded on the concept of liberalism. This

ideology likewise gave birth to the freedom that people enjoy today. As far as the US citizens are

concerned, numerous rights and liberty are entitled to them as stipulated by the constitution.

Among the main legacy that was established by the principles of freedom is freedom of speech.

In the 21st century, some nations are yet to achieve freedom of expression; the citizens and
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social workers are still struggling for such freedom. However, liberalism has made it possible for

US citizens to speak their minds whenever they want. This freedom is granted to all persons

regardless of their gender, race, or age. In general, the ideology of liberalism has had a

significant impact on Western Civilization as it has led to democracy at various levels. This is an

identifying quality of Western Civilization. 

Conservatism

According to Alexis de Tocqueville, "The June Days," in chapter 6: Romanticism,

Reaction, and Revolution, "Conservatism was the principle of those who repudiated the

Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Conservatives valued tradition over reason,

aristocratic and clerical authority over equality, and the community over the individual,"

(Tocqueville 162). The above quote depicts the concept of conservatism focused on the ideas of

holding on to the traditional aspects of life. For instance, the ideology did not approve the

concept of equality as it valued some aspects of authority like aristocratic. In short, this ideology

focused on upholding various aspects of life that were entrenched in the traditions in the 19th

century. 

The ideology of conservatism was against any change in society. It argued against

communism. This concept promoted the idea of freedom in various aspects of life; this played a

part in strengthening the individuals in different spheres of life. This ideology highly developed

the concept of self-sufficient. This could be associated with the emergency of some of the critical

ideas in business, which is entrepreneurship. Many people became autonomous and independent

businesspersons. Besides, the advocates of this concept were able to achieve the individual goals

that they believed were suppressed by the liberals. 

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Lastly, the concept of conservatism is perceived as the fight against liberalism; this

means some people did not embrace the idea of liberty as their beliefs were deeply entrenched in

conservatism. 

Feminism

The primary idea promoted by the concept of feminism is the promotion of equal rights

between both sexes. This equality was needed in all the spheres of life, including social,

economic, and political. 

According to the Chapter: The Modern Woman, "The hunger for reform was acute.

Popular attitudes regarding women's place in society ranged widely. Still, the majority

emphasized that a woman's fundamental duty was to maintain the family and households, and

instead on the unnaturalness of a woman's interest in civil society, political, and intellectual life."

("Chapter: The Modern Woman" 790) The above quote depicts some of the things that feminism

tried to eradicate in society. The society had formed some mindset against women that needed to

be destroyed. 

This is among the most crucial concept in the women's world today, the first legacy that

is associated with this ideology granting women the right to vote. For many centuries, women in

the society were not allowed to vote; however, with the help of various movements introduced

with the help of feminist groups, women were finally allowed to vote. Besides, the ideology

marked the end of women's suffrage in society as stipulated in the Chapter: The Modern Woman.

Women were eventually granted equality in society after a battle and struggles that lasted for

many years. Therefore, gender equality is among the achievements that are associated with the

ideology of feminism.

Marxism
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The idea of Marxism was based on two major concepts: capitalism and socialism. The

initial idea presented in this ideology is an economic and political way of social structure, where

the workers own the production means. On the other hand, the concept of capitalism states that

the means of production should be privately owned. 

The concept of Marxism had a significant impact on many countries as they ended up

embracing it. In Western civilization, Marxism led to the industrial revolution. The idea of anti-

capitalist contended that workers are naturally oppressed and exploited under the so-called

capitalist. The concept brought changes in the industries and factories that improved the working

conditions that were dangerous and unsafe for the workers. Karl understood that the concept of

capitalism was all about the coercion of workers in society. 

Socialism

The ideology of sociology proposes for the open or public ownership of property.

Besides, the concept suggested that production means should be owned and controlled by the

community. This ideology likewise advocated for the welfare of the workers in the industry. 

            The concept of socialism had a significant impact on augmenting the wellbeing of the

working class amid the wake of the industrial revolution. Besides, the idea prevented the

accumulation of wealth in the Western countries that would lead to a few rich people and many

poor citizens. 

Capitalism

Capitalism calls for private property ownership of the property. The concept stipulated

that the property and means of production should be privately owned and controlled.  Louis

highlighted that “Capitalists can also be taken into the association and would draw interest on

their invested money, which would be guaranteed by the budget; but in the profits they would
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participate only if they were laborers at the same time,”(Louis1) In this quote, Louis shows the

effects of workers being in control of the means of production. Also, Smiles states that “Heavens

help those who help themselves,” (Smiles 141). From this maxim, Smiles promoted the idea and

importance of capitalism in society.

The ideology of capitalism was associated with the efficiency in production than it was

the case with socialism. This efficiency was reflected in Western Civilization, thus resulting in

increased economic growth and advancements. 

The ideology that I favor is liberalism; the reason for my selection is following the

impact that it has had on Western Civilizations. It is the foundation of most of the civil rights that

are found in the constitution. Besides, the ideology gave rise to the freedom of speech that is

among the most essential aspects of democracy. In Eastern civilization, freedom of speech is not

a common thing; this is not seen in all the nations but some. However, this is among the things

that citizens enjoy in western countries. Therefore, liberalism can be termed as the foundation of

human rights and freedom in Western Civilization. 

Therefore, the three ideologies have a long history; this is because some of them were

established some centuries ago. Some strengths accompany all these ideologies as they have

played a significant part in making the society what it is. Conversely, some doctrines have

lasting adverse social, economic, and political effects on society.

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Works Cited

Alexis de Tocqueville, "The June Days," in chapter 6: Romanticism, Reaction, and Revolution

Chapter 21: The Modern Woman

John Stuart Mill's Essay

Louis Blanc, The Organization Of Labour (1840)

Owen, Robert. A New View of Society. Free Press, 1817.

Smiles, Samuel. Self-help. Donohue, Henneberry, 1890.