What is Social Democracy?
Keeps a market economy but builds a large welfare state, strong unions and high taxes to reduce inequality — the Nordic model is the classic example.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by democracy rule (88%), progressive tradition (76%), global nation (72%) and secular faith (72%), and stays fairly neutral on power, markets, trade and technology. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Libertarian Left area.
What Social Democracy stands for
Leaders should be chosen, criticized and replaced by the people, regularly and freely.
Customs should keep evolving toward more equality and personal freedom.
Big problems are shared; international law and institutions deserve real authority.
Religion is a private matter and should stay out of law and government.
Libertarian Left
Economic -2.5 · Social -5 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: culture — Social Democracy is more assimilationist (30% vs 14%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Social Democracy is more collective (70% vs 55%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Social Democracy is more private (30% vs 12%).
Nearest historical thinkers: John Maynard Keynes (90%), Thomas Paine (88%) and Mary Wollstonecraft (86%).
Social Democracy, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Social Democracy left or right?
On the classic political compass Social Democracy sits at economic -2.5 and social -5 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Libertarian Left area. Economically it leans toward equality and collective ownership.
What does Social Democracy believe?
Keeps a market economy but builds a large welfare state, strong unions and high taxes to reduce inequality — the Nordic model is the classic example. Its most defining positions are democracy on rule, progressive on tradition, global on nation and secular on faith.
What ideologies are similar to Social Democracy?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are Progressivism (92% similar), Social Liberalism (91% similar) and Democratic Socialism (90% similar).
Am I a Social Democracy supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Social Democracy and 30 other ideologies.