Social democracy

Social democracy is a political ideology emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from supporters of Marxism who believed that the transition to a socialist society could be achieved through democratic evolutionary rather than revolutionary means. It emphasises a program of gradual legislative reform of the capitalist system in order to make it more equitable, usually with the theoretical end goal of building a socialist society.

Social democratic political parties

Social democratic political parties are a feature of many democratic countries. Over the course of the twentieth century, parties such as the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, the German SPD and many other such parties throughout Europe, Canada (New Democratic Party), Australia (Labor Party) and New Zealand (Labour Party) stood in elections on political platforms that included policies such as stronger labor laws, nationalization of major industries, and a strong welfare state.

Related Topics:
Political parties - Democratic - Labour Party - United Kingdom - German - SPD - Europe - Canada - New Democratic Party - Australia - Labor Party - New Zealand - Labour Party - Labor law - Nationalization - Welfare state

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During the later part of the 20th century, most of the aforementioned parties gradually distanced themselves from socialist-style economics (and socialism in general). At present, social democrats generally do not see a conflict between a capitalist market economy and their goals. A great many social democratic parties have adopted policies of the centrist Third Way, which supports a deregulated economy and emphasises equality of opportunity as the benchmark for social equity. Modern social democrats have also broadened their social goals to encompass aspects of feminism, racial equality and multiculturalism. Whether this modern form of social democracy can properly be described as "socialist" is a matter of dispute. Many social democrats do not see themselves as socialist.

Related Topics:
Centrist - Third Way - Equality of opportunity - Feminism - Racial equality - Multiculturalism

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Most social democratic parties are members of the Socialist International, which is a successor to the Second International.

Related Topics:
Socialist International - Second International

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See also List of social democratic parties

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