Talk:Political spectrum/definitions
Definitions
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.[1],[2]
Criticisms of a one-dimensional view
Many people reject a one-dimensional view of the political spectrum.
- "The old one-dimensional categories of 'right' and 'left', established for the seating arrangement of the French National Assembly of 1789, are overly simplistic for today's complex political landscape." [3]
For example, libertarians say that their point of view - advocating personal freedom in all its forms, as long as it does not conflict with the freedom of others, is not a left-wing or right-wing position. Advocating freedom sometimes leads them to take positions that are usually considered right-wing (for example, defending a worker's right not to join a labor union) but at other times leads them to take positions that are usually considered left-wing (for example, defending gay rights). --Redblue 08:03, 10 April 2007 (EDT)
- ↑ H. Winter and T. Bellows (1997), Conflict and Compromise: An Introduction to Political Science, 8th ed., Ch. 3. Longman, Inc.
- ↑ S. Tansey (2000), Politics: the Basics, 2nd ed., Ch. 4. Routledge, Inc.
- ↑ The Political Compass