The New Left is a broad collection of movements that developed in Western countries from the 1960s onward. These movements generally argue that the center left does not go far enough in addressing inequality, identity, culture, and social change. This lesson introduces the New Left and examines multiculturalism as one of its early movements.
The New Left is not a single unified doctrine. It is an amalgam of movements on the left of the political spectrum, often united by the view that center-left politics is insufficiently progressive. Its boundaries are unclear and in flux: some ideas once associated with the New Left may become accepted within the center left, while other ideas remain contested.
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What is the New Left?
A broad, diverse collection of left-wing movements, prominent from the 1960s, that generally regard the center left as insufficiently progressive.
Why are the New Left’s boundaries fluid?
Its movements overlap with center-left politics, and ideas can shift in or out of the center-left mainstream over time.
What does multiculturalism argue about cultures?
It argues that all or almost all cultures deserve respect and that cultural membership can contribute strongly to identity and self-worth.
What is the multiculturalist view of a common national culture?
Multiculturalists commonly argue that an effective state does not require one shared underlying culture; cultural diversity may enrich society.
What concern does Rawls raise for multicultural debates?
A stable liberal democratic regime may require people to share a significant proportion of liberal democratic values.
Quiz questions
What view generally unites movements described as the New Left?Answer: Center-left politics does not go far enough in addressing social and political concerns.
Which claim is commonly associated with multiculturalism?Answer: A state can function without one common underlying culture.
What is one environmentalist critique of center-left politics?Answer: Commitments to private property and limited government can constrain climate action.
How can structural racism persist without conscious racist intent by each decision-maker?Answer: Institutions and accumulated historical conditions can reproduce unequal outcomes.
How do democratic socialists generally seek to advance socialist aims?Answer: Through democratic methods such as elections, organizing, and political mobilization.
Based on Introduction to Political Science by Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.