What is Progressivism?
Pushes for social reform — equality, minority rights, climate action — using an active, regulating government.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by progressive tradition (92%), pluralist culture (86%), democracy rule (85%) and global nation (80%), and stays fairly neutral on power, markets and trade. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Libertarian Left area.
What Progressivism stands for
Customs should keep evolving toward more equality and personal freedom.
Many cultures and languages living side by side make a country richer.
Leaders should be chosen, criticized and replaced by the people, regularly and freely.
Big problems are shared; international law and institutions deserve real authority.
Libertarian Left
Economic -1.6 · Social -4.5 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: culture — Progressivism is more pluralist (86% vs 70%).
Biggest difference: liberty — Progressivism is more security (40% vs 24%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Progressivism is more private (36% vs 12%).
Nearest historical thinkers: John Maynard Keynes (88%), Thomas Paine (87%) and Mary Wollstonecraft (84%).
Progressivism, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Progressivism left or right?
On the classic political compass Progressivism sits at economic -1.6 and social -4.5 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Libertarian Left area. Economically it leans toward equality and collective ownership.
What does Progressivism believe?
Pushes for social reform — equality, minority rights, climate action — using an active, regulating government. Its most defining positions are progressive on tradition, pluralist on culture, democracy on rule and global on nation.
What ideologies are similar to Progressivism?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are Social Democracy (92% similar), Social Liberalism (91% similar) and Democratic Socialism (87% similar).
Am I a Progressivism supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Progressivism and 30 other ideologies.