Joshua Jones
Jul 6 '21

What does Leftist mean and what are their beliefs and philosophies?

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Brian Duignan

Encyclopedia Britannica Editor

Jul 19 '21

As noted in Britannica's article on the left, the terms "left" and "leftist" refer to that side of the political spectrum historically associated with egalitarianism and popular or state control of the major institutions of political and economic life.

Modern-day leftists tend to be hostile to the interests of political and economic elites, including the wealthy and large corporations, and to favor the interests of the poor, the working classes, and other oppressed and exploited groups, including racial minorities. They also emphasize the equitable distribution of social goods and popular participation in major political and economic decision making. Their advocacy of economic policies that directly benefit the least advantaged or that promote greater equality of wealth and income (see economic inequality) tends to puts leftists at odds with unregulated (free-market) capitalism.

In most countries, the standard leftist ideology is socialism, of which there are many varieties, ranging from communism to social democracy. Another ideology historically popular among leftists is anarchism, including anarcho-syndicalism.

In the United States, where the center of the political spectrum is farther to the right than in most democratic countries, the terms “left” and “leftist” are often applied to laws, programs, and policies that directly aid the working and middle classes (see social welfare program); that increase access to education, health care, and other social goods; or that protect civil rights, including the right to vote.