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Line 1: − Political scientists' definition of the political spectrum classifies some political positions as leftist or rightist. Politics on the 'right' usually support the traditional institutions and values of a society. Politics on the 'left' usually favor challenging traditional institutions and values.<ref>H. Winter and T. Bellows (1997), Conflict and Compromise: An Introduction to Political Science, 8th ed., Ch. 3. Longman, Inc.</ref>,<ref>S. Tansey (2000), Politics: the Basics, 2nd ed., Ch. 4. Routledge, Inc.</ref>+ + + + +
Talk:Political spectrum/definitions (view source)
Revision as of 16:24, April 10, 2007
, 16:24, April 10, 2007→Definitions: : adding some alternatives, though I don't know of appropriate references
==Definitions==
==Definitions==
Traditionally political scientists have defined the left-right '''political spectrum''' by saying that politics on the 'right' usually supports the traditional institutions and values of a society, while politics on the 'left' usually favors challenging traditional institutions and values.<ref>H. Winter and T. Bellows (1997), Conflict and Compromise: An Introduction to Political Science, 8th ed., Ch. 3. Longman, Inc.</ref>,<ref>S. Tansey (2000), Politics: the Basics, 2nd ed., Ch. 4. Routledge, Inc.</ref>
An alternative definition which some political scientists say better describes current political differences states that those on the 'left' tend to favor bigger government, egalitarianism, and collectivism while those on the 'right' favored smaller government, free markets, and individualism.<ref>Ed Poor's high-school teacher</ref>
Yet another definition tries to describe current political differences by saying that the 'left' tends to favor personal freedoms, while the 'right' tends to favor economic freedoms.<ref>Somebody named Nolan?</ref>
==Criticisms of a one-dimensional view==
==Criticisms of a one-dimensional view==