B: I think Equality is good I want to share everything equally I want to do what is best for the group at the expense of the individual. What are you all about? A: I think equality is bad since it prevents the best of society from rising to the top. I want to do what is best for me. I don’t care about the group. Don’t want to pay taxes to help house other people. If you believe in statement A, move to the right hand side of the room. If you believe in statement B, move to the left hand side of the room.

Social 30/33: Lesson 3 POLITICAL SYSTEMS Individualism vs. Collectivism After this lesson you should be able to:  Define individualism  Define collectivism  Describe the difference between the two  Identify different political systems  Relate political systems to Ideologies  Classify political systems using a political spectrum.

Defining the two Individualism Equality is bad since it prevents the best of society from rising to the top. Interested in the individual only and not about group progress. May be unprepared to pay taxes. Collectivism Equality is good Sharing everything equally is the best way forward Group progress is more important than individual success.

Discussion point How are the two Ideologies of Collectivism and Individualism different? Can we think of any examples of where these ideologies exist?

Politics that fits the ideology Communism -Comes from the word commune (community) -Very pro-collectivism -Seeks egalitarianism (absolute equality for all) Uses total gov’t control, including the economy through public ownership of property Favours societal change Also called “radicals” Rejects both capitalism and religion FAMOUS Examples are??

Socialism Seeks equal opportunity for lower classes Favours gov’t control (public ownership) of vital industries and agencies Pro-collectivism Favours many social programs (e.g. welfare) Liberalism Seeks equal opportunity for the middle class Favours change through legal means Favours gov’t regulation to promote social and economic equality Is less traditional (change is good) Takes the middle position Also called “moderates” or “whigs”

Conservatism Very pro-individualism Cautious of change, firm in tradition Favours no gov’t regulation (private ownership) For private property and private charity Also know as “reactionaries”, “traditionalists”, or “tories” Against social programs Favours elitism where a person advances based on their skills (and worth) Favours capitalism Social Conservatives are those who reject changes in society that are considered to be immoral Who are these people? What political ideology is strong where we are?

Fascism Rejects equality, but still believes that the nation is above the individual. Total gov’t political control (no democracy) Believes income inequality is natural. Allows private ownership of business and property but controls its usage Is generally “cadre” or “new order” based

Anarchism Totally rejects the idea of governance

LEFT RIGHT

Summary After this lesson you should be able to:  Define individualism  Define collectivism  Describe the difference between the two  Identify different political systems  Relate political systems to Ideologies  Classify political systems using a political spectrum.

Assignment Find out which political parties operate in Alberta and give a brief description of their ideology. Use the internet Talk to people