Liberalism: Its Origin and Role Essay

Liberalism is a political philosophy that originated on the notions of both equality and liberty. It is highly sensitive to both situations and time, and it is different in each country. Overcurrent centuries, the historical development of liberalism has been moving from mistrust of states power, on the ground that it tends to be misused, to the will of using the power of governance in correcting the perceived inequalities in wealth distribution that arises from economic competition (Andersen, 2015). Liberalism plays a vital role in modern social policies which include protecting individuals with the primary goal of achieving equity. However, liberal feminism is criticized because it is considered to be necessary but not sufficient enough to protect women.

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Originally, liberalism was used only in pre-political ways. The goal of the old liberal was to limit the power of governance over the person whereas holding it accountable to the governed. Liberalism provides some protection to individuals against the risks that are beyond their control (Andersen, 2015). It also accepts inequalities because it's advantageous to everyone in the long run. The liberal state has a responsibility of offering equal protection of the law to its citizen and also treat them with the same regard as well as respect. For this reason, liberalism strives to achieve a more equitable distribution of income and well-being than would otherwise be created in the marketplace. However, it is not dedicated to attaining perfect equality in the delivery of goods (Andersen, 2015). As such, equity requires that only those individuals who take high risks, advance their talents to a higher degree, and work extra hard will be in a position of earning a return from their efforts. Liberalism therefore it aims for sustainable growth with extensively shared gains.

The practical nature of liberalism also deduces that policies cannot be derived from moral ideologies alone without consideration of experiential realities. These considerations lead to democratic freedom in the direction of systems that are dual-purpose because they serve both the macroeconomic goals of economic growth and stability (Andersen, 2015). Growth that is largely shared will not only increase the living standards of the middle class and the poor, but also reinforce other liberal principles.

Liberal feminism clamps that political and legal reform is the only practical method of eliminating gender inequality. However, it is criticized because it is necessary but not sufficient. For instance, liberal feminism fails to address the underlying values and social structures that disadvantage women (Andersen, 2015). Even when women have attained equality "on paper," still it does not account for cultural and social factors that maintain inequality. Even with the efforts of the liberal feminists to eradicate all barriers to gender equity, societies still believe that women by nature are physically and intellectually capable than men and thus tends to discriminate against women. Consequently, women are regarded as having the capability of maintaining their equality through their own choices and actions. They struggle for sexual equality through legal and political reforms (Andersen, 2015). As a result, Radical feminism arose partially because the preferred method of female feminism was working within the system rather than eliminating patriarchal systems.

Liberalism is based on the principle of equity. It is also an ideology of practical world. For that reason, all people in a society cannot claim same levels of merit, and intelligence. In that cases, there must arise a definite difference in remuneration, and this must be admitted.

References

Andersen, M. L. (2016). Thinking about women sociological perspectives on sex and gender. 10th Edition. US: Pearson