Leftism

Leftism is a broad grouping of ideological tendencies which seek to alter and advance past the given socio-economic and political status quo in favor of a more egalitarian arrangement. In a modern context, leftist politics centers around the abolition of capitalism in favor of socialism and communism. Modern leftists also oppose the ideological forces in support of capitalism, including liberalism and fascism.

Common left-wing tendencies include Marxism, anarchism, reformist or democratic socialism, and the various sub-groupings in those trends.

Etymology

The terms left-wing and leftism are derived from the French Revolution, when the more progressive, egalitarian political factions were seated on the left-side of the assembly whereas the reactionary factions sat on the right-wing.

Tendencies

Marxism

Main article: Marxism

Marxism–Leninism

Main article: Marxism–Leninism

Maoism

Main article: Marxism–Leninism–Maoism

Anarchism

Main article: Anarchism

Reformist

Main article: Reformism

Democratic socialism

Main article: Democratic socialism

See also

• Left-unity
• Internal debates
• United front