Progressivism

Progressivism is a political and social movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the time. It is characterized by a belief in the ability of government and society to improve the lives of citizens through regulation, reform, and social welfare programs.

Whether by science, technology, or relations to the means of production, progressives seek to change the current structures of power. In a Marxist context this means supporting any revolutionary movements, electoral efforts as described by Lenin, and opposing capitalism, liberalism, imperialism, fascism, monarchism and feudalism. Progressives often draw heavy influence from futurism in their art and stories. In early period socialism, this led to the dominance of utopian socialism which has since been superseded by the modern scientific socialism movement. Progressives hold revolutionary optimism in high regard. This includes the veneration of class struggle, class consciousness, proletarian dictatorship and appeals to secular humanism.

One of the key examples of progressivism is the rise of the Progressive Era in the United States, which saw the implementation of various reforms such as the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the creation of the Federal Trade Commission, and the passing of the Clayton Antitrust Act. These measures aimed to regulate and control the excesses of big business, as well as to protect the rights and interests of workers and consumers.

Another example of progressivism is the rise of the welfare state in Europe, which saw the implementation of various social welfare programs such as universal healthcare, old age pensions, and unemployment benefits. These measures aimed to provide a safety net for citizens, as well as to reduce poverty and inequality.

The origins of progressivism can be traced back to the late 19th century, when industrialization and urbanization led to the rise of a new working class. These groups were increasingly concerned about the negative effects of industrialization and urbanization on society, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. As a result, they began to advocate for government intervention and reform in order to address these issues.

In contrast to the old progressivism, modern progressivism has shifted its focus towards issues such as climate change, racial and gender equality, and economic inequality. This is due to the changing social and economic conditions of the 21st century, as well as the rise of new social movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and the Climate Strike.