Absolutism Vs Classical Liberalism

Liberalism is a complex ideology that supports individual freedom, the right to use reason and rationality to pursue independent interests and inherent dignity and worth of every person (58). The broad ideology encompasses a number of smaller sub-categories that all support the greater ideal of individualism and representative government, but in unique and specific ways.
Liberalism is identified by the text to have three main ideological branches that work towards the same greater goal of independence and individuality. The three main sub-groups are known as classical liberalism, reform liberalism and neo-liberalism. Classical liberalism supports a limited government, free market economy, and utilizes a laissez-faire economic system to pursue …show more content…
The two main branches of liberalism that rose during the 20th century were reform liberalism and neoliberalism. Reform liberalism argues that governments should play an active role in promoting the freedom of citizens and the development laws that support and maintain the rights and freedoms of every individual within society (Mastin). Neo-Liberalism believes in a free market outlook while supporting privatized government services and encourages governmental power to enforce the opening of foreign markets. These approaches to liberalism grew during the 20th century due to the increased promotion of individualistic values and norms that emerged within Western-Europe and North America, while realistically acknowledging the importance of government in order to achieve the basic needs and rights of every individual. Reform Liberalism conveys the importance of individuality while …show more content…
This is representative of why reform liberalism and neo-liberalism perpetuate the true values, resources and services derived through the 20th century of