6.2 Different Approaches to Politics
Politicians take different approaches to politics, depending on ideology, attitude towards change, and the role of government.
6.2.1 Classifying Political Ideologies and Attitudes
defining the terms: individualism, collectivism, conservatism, and progressivism
6.2.2 Freedom of the Individual
the desire for liberty, property rights, and small government
6.2.3 Collectivism
prioritising communal needs: Social Democrat, Socialist, Communist, Green parties
6.2.4 Conservative Attitudes
stewardship; conserving power; small government; neoconservative; reactionary; retreat to identity
6.2.5 The Progressive Approach
intervention to improve people’s lives; radicalism; revolution
6.2.6 Political Parties and Policies
parties need to differentiate themselves, but not stray too far from the centre
These different approaches to politics drive the behaviour of politicians. The next segment describes the power structures through which they operate.