Left-wing facts for kids
Left-wing in politics describes ideas and groups that support social equality and fairness for everyone. It's about making sure all people have similar chances and rights, no matter their background.
What "left-wing" means can change depending on the country. For example:
- In places like Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, left-wing politics often involves ideas like social democracy and democratic socialism. These ideas focus on things like strong public services (like healthcare and education) and workers' rights.
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Understanding Left-Wing Politics
Left-wing politics generally focuses on making society more equal. This means working to reduce big differences between rich and poor people, and making sure everyone has access to important things like good education and healthcare.
Key Ideas of the Left
People and groups on the left often believe in:
- Social equality: This is the idea that all people should have the same rights and opportunities. It means fighting against unfair treatment based on things like race, gender, or wealth.
- Fairness: Making sure that resources and chances are shared fairly among everyone in society.
- Community: Believing that people should work together for the good of the whole community, not just for themselves.
Where Did "Left-Wing" Come From?
The terms "left-wing" and "right-wing" actually started during the French Revolution in the late 1700s.
- In the French parliament, people who supported the king and traditional ways sat on the right side of the meeting hall.
- Those who wanted big changes, more freedom, and equality for ordinary people sat on the left side.
This is how the terms became linked to different political ideas.
Important Left-Wing Ideas
Many important ideas are often connected with left-wing politics.
Equality for Everyone
- Egalitarianism: This is the belief that all people are equal and should have equal rights and opportunities. It's a core idea for many left-wing groups.
People Power
- Democracy: Left-wing politics strongly supports democracy, where people have a say in how they are governed. This often includes making sure everyone can vote and that their voices are heard.
Separation of Church and State
- Secularism: This idea means that government and public life should be separate from religious beliefs. It ensures that laws apply to everyone, regardless of their religion, and that no single religion controls the government.
Related Political Ideas
Many different political ideas fall under the "left-wing" umbrella.
Left-Wing Ideologies
- Socialism: This is a broad idea that often suggests society should own or control important things like factories and services, rather than private companies. The goal is to share wealth and resources more fairly.
- Social democracy: This idea combines capitalism (private businesses) with strong government programs. It aims to create a safety net for people through things like public healthcare, education, and social welfare.
- Democratic socialism: This is similar to social democracy but often aims for even more public control over the economy, while still believing in democratic elections and freedoms.
See also
Images for kids
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The opening of the Estates General of 1789 in Versailles on May 5, 1789. This is where the terms "left" and "right" in politics began.
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Labour union demonstrators at the 1912 Lawrence textile strike. Left-wing movements often support workers' rights.
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Global warming was the cover story of this 2007 issue of Ms. magazine. Environmental issues are often supported by left-wing groups.
See also
In Spanish: Izquierda política para niños
