Liberalism: Capitalism and Basic Needs

Liberalism is the model of analysis in international relations stressing the capacity of states to coexist and interact peacefully and harmoniously. Socialism is the ideology that argues that citizens are best served by policies focusing on meeting the basic needs of the entire society rather than by policies focusing on serving the needs of individuals as individuals. The difference between the two is that liberalism is a belief that the government should only minorly interfere within the daily lives of its citizens and that socialism will assure an equal distribution of wealth and goods to the population.

The basic components and goals of a liberalist government are the progressive ideas of an individuals liberty and equality. An individual is more important than the state as well as being rational and capable of making their own decisions which helps the individual be independent. People aren’t afraid of change due to the possible progress in political affairs. Another component is that economic inequality is not bad because economic freedom is more important than economic equality. Franklin Roosevelt established the Social Security Act which established a federal pension and unemployment insurance system. It also met the goals of ideology as it still exists today.

The basic components and goals of a socialist government are based on how citizens are best served by policies focused on meeting the basic needs of the entire society rather than meeting only the basic needs of individuals as individuals. It’s a system within society of where production is owned and controlled by the state and is consistent with democracy. Private property and the distribution of income are under social control.

A liberalist government and a socialist government differ in a big way, however they can come together and blend ideas. A Liberalist government gives a sense of freedom and equality and gives an individual attention based on their needs rather then a society as a whole. A socialist government is more of the government having complete control, setting one rule, law or price for a society to follow.