Part 17/21:
The division between right and left originates in the 1789 French Revolution. In the Assemblée nationale, supporters of monarchy sat on the right; revolutionaries, republicans, and radicals sat on the left. The terms persisted, acquiring deeper ideological meanings over time.
Evolving Ideologies
Right: Traditionally favors tradition, order, hierarchy, and often religious influences. Often associated with conservatism and opposition to rapid change.
Left: Favors progress, equality, social reforms, and secularism. Associated with liberalism, socialism, and revolutionary change.
From Class to Values
In modern contexts, the spectrum encompasses various axes:
- Economic: Capitalism (right) vs. socialism/redistribution (left).