Social Studies 30-2 Chapter 2: Exploring Individualism PDF

Social Studies 30-2 Chapter 2: Exploring Individualism Chapter Issue: “Should the values of individualism shape an ideology?” Understandings of Ideologies, pages 42-64 Even though it may turn out lame, you decide to attend...

Social Studies 30-2 Chapter 2: Exploring Individualism Chapter Issue: “Should the values of individualism shape an ideology?” Understandings of Ideologies, pages 42-64 Even though it may turn out lame, you decide to attend the next school dance because the DJ takes in all kinds of requests. On your way there, your friend informs you that some music will not be permitted to be played because of inappropriate lyrics. You figured that you make good choices about your own musical tastes overall, so whatever everyone else listens to should not matter to you. But now someone has made decisions, and you cannot make the choices you had wanted to make. The decision to censor the DJ was made for the good of the whole school, but what about your choice as an individual? We will examine how the values of individualism are expressed politically, economically, and socially in Western liberal societies like Canada, the U.S., and countries of Western Europe. Individualism Some ideologies have developed with a focus on the role of the individual in relation to society. ◼ Values: independence, self-reliance, individual achievement, competition, and freedom  The Emergence of Individualism in Europe The emergence of The Rise of individualism in Liberalism Europe ◼ Middle Ages (500-1300): ▪ People are defined by the group or class which they belong (e.g. peasants, traders, craftsmen, clergy, nobility) ▪ Individuality was not valued or promoted. ▪ Other than the nobility and clergy, people have few rights and freedoms. ▪ Art consisted of religious themes – individuals, besides religious figures, were rarely glorified. The Emergence of Individualism in Europe ◼ Renaissance (1300-1600): ▪ An interest in the individual developed. ▪ There was a growing importance of books and education, and an increasing number of wealthy nobles, merchants, and craftsmen. ▪ Many people were still largely ruled by kings/queens (Divine Right) Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Give the guy Man. Compare the artistic some privacy! differences from the previous age on page 46 of your text. The Emergence of Individualism in Europe ◼ Age of Enlightenment (1600s-1700s): ▪ People begin to believe that individuals should have the right to own property, travel freely, speak freely, and be treated equally. ▪ Philosophers wrote that: ▪ each individual person mattered ▪ reason (not religion) should be the source of knowledge ▪ each individual was reasonable and capable of governing himself (if they were a landowning man, that is) ▪ Europe also experienced a Scientific Rev. challenging common knowledge (e.g. Isaac Newton) ▪ This sparks revolutions in America and France. The Rise of Liberalism ◼ The growing popularity of individualism gave rise to a new political ideology called liberalism (focuses on the importance of individual liberty/freedoms). ◼ During the French and American Revolutions, people fought for liberal ideas such as individual rights and freedoms. ◼ During the 1900s, liberal democracies developed in many countries, guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of the individual (e.g. voting for the leaders of their country, the C. of R. and F. in Canada). The Rise of Liberalism Political Aspects of Focuses on the idea that all members of society Liberalism have the same legal rights and freedoms, regardless of their gender, race, or economic status. Economic Aspects of Focuses on the individual’s right to property and the Liberalism removal of government control in economic markets, so that the value of goods and services is decided by individuals (or individual companies), not the government. Social Aspects of Focuses on the idea that individuals are the basis of Liberalism society, and , as such, all individuals in society should be treated as equals and have access to the rights, the freedoms, and a quality of life.  Political Roots of Liberalism Political Roots of Rule of Law and the Individual Rights Liberalism Social Contract and Freedoms ◼ In 1776, the American colonies declared independence from Britain – Declaration of Independence legally recognized the rights of the individual. ◼ During the French Rev. (1789-1799), the middle and peasant classes-Third Estate-proclaimed their desire for more rights and freedoms (Declaration of the Rights of Man – symbolized the transition of France from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy). ◼ Both documents were based on the ideas from Enlightenment thinkers such as Lock, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. ◼ These revolutions helped develop liberalism – the idea that all members of society have the same legal rights and freedoms. Rule of Law ◼ Enlightenment philosophers also developed the idea called the rule of law – the law itself, not the individual, has the greatest power and that all individuals are subject to the law. ◼ The Magna Carta (Great Charter) of 1215 is an early example of the rule of law. It was a document that limited the powers of King John, ruler of England. ◼ After this, many English rulers still tried to rule without regard for the law, but over time Western democracies based this document on many of their own legal documents. Social Contract ◼ Many people began to believe that each individual is reasonable and capable of governing himself. Enlightenment thinkers offered the idea of the social contract – each individual of a society agrees to be governed so that he/she may gain the benefits of living in that society (trade opportunities, safety, security). Individual Rights and Freedoms ◼ With the rise of political liberalism, many countries created charters or declarations that ensured that all members of society had the same legal rights and freedoms. ◼ Individual rights and freedoms are a key value of individualism and an important feature of liberal democracies. ▪ Freedom of religion, freedom of association, the right to life, liberty, and security, to vote. An Example of Freedom of Expression ◼ Voltaire (1694-1778): a French writer/philosopher – “I may disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” - a basic democratic right around the world: freedom of speech = a fundamental right. ◼ Keep in mind, defamation is a crime that is on the rise since the internet explosion. ◼ Page 52 of your text – fixing posters on power poles. What do you think? ◼ Free speech has to be balanced against the rights of other individuals (e.g. James Keegstra). Economic Expressions of Individualism Economic Roots Economic Freedom, of Liberalism Self-Interest, and Private Property Competition ◼ Economic liberalism focuses on allowing individuals (or privately owned companies) to decide the price of goods and services and the freedom to make choices as consumers. Economic Roots of Liberalism ◼ Mercantilism (1500-1700s): Many European countries operated under this economic system. ▪ A country should export more goods than it imports ▪ Accumulate wealth in gold and silver ▪ Protect its economy by taxing and setting quotas on imports. ▪ The health of the economy depended on the oppression of the working class – they produced more when they had no extra $$, free time, or education. ▪ Merchants and the government benefited greatly. Economic Roots of Liberalism ◼ Late 1700s: physiocrats desired an economy where there were no government controls or intervention. ▪ Jacques Turgot, Francis Quesnay, and Adam Smith ▪ In 1776, Smith would publish The Wealth of Nations, which had a great influence on economies around the world.  Economic Roots of Liberalism: Adam Smith ◼ In The Wealth of Nations, Smith rejects mercantilism, and instead proposes that a free-market economy is more productive and beneficial to society. ▪ The price of goods and services is set by the demand (principle of supply and demand). The government does not set prices. ▪ People generally act out of self-interest, and in doing so can help others and contribute to the common good through their efforts. ▪ People can better themselves through hard work without the interference of government = a healthier economy (a laisez-faire [“leave alone”] approach. ▪ These ideas contributed to the Industrial Revolution and played a large part in establishing the principles applied in modern liberal economies. Economic Freedom, Self-Interest, and Competition ◼ Economic freedoms in a free market: ▪ Freedom to buy what you want ▪ Having a choice among various jobs based on your self-interest ▪ Sell your labour at a part-time job (e.g. 2005> +50% of all Canadian students had summer jobs. ▪ Employers hire hard-working, dependable employees with skill and experience; they want to pay employees in a way that they can still make a profit and compete in the market. ▪ Buyers’ self-interests include paying the lowest price for the best quality product or service. Private Property ◼ Many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada felt that the land was intended to be shared by all living things – no one owned the land. ◼ Some people feel that private property is a key reason for people to live as a part of a society. ◼ At first, property law was understood to mean only land (real estate), but it came to mean three types of property: ▪ Real estate ▪ Other forms of physical possessions ▪ Intellectual property (artistic works, and inventions) Social Expressions of Individualism The Right to Education Capital Punishment Social Roots of and Individualism and Individualism Liberalism ◼ Modern society places a great deal of importance on the rights and freedoms of the individual. Modern liberals believe that physical and mental challenges, skin colour, sexual orientation or gender issues should be addressed through government intervention. Social Roots of Liberalism ◼ As liberalism developed in the late 1800s and into the 1900s, government took a stronger role to protect and support the working class and those living in poverty. ◼ The Great Depression made many liberals push for government intervention in the economy for those in need. Social Roots of Liberalism ◼ **These new ideas modified the beliefs of classical liberals, who believe that less government intervention means greater freedom for all individuals. ◼ Some liberals began to push for universal health care. ◼ Controversy erupted surrounding the role of government in protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals. How much is enough? The Right to Education and Individualism ◼ The real danger posed by privatization is that it makes quality education affordable to some but not to other and so diminishes the unity and cohesion of society. The mandate of a public education system is to be open to all children, fully funded by citizens and accountable to society as a whole (- Alberta Teachers’ Association). ◼ What do you think the role of the government should be in ensuring that its citizens have access to education? Should people be free to create schools as they see fit? Should all schools be the same? Capital Punishment and Individualism ◼ Capital punishment (the death penalty), abolished in Canada in 1976, is one area where the values of collectivism and individualism collide. Protect the rights and freedoms of the Protect the rights and freedoms of the whole group (collectivism) individual (individualism) The needs of the many outweigh the Human life is sacred. The Charter of needs of the few. The general public’s Rights and Freedoms guarantees every safety is more important than a individual’s right to life. dangerous criminal’s right to life By violating the rights of another person, Individuals can change and may turn their a murderer forfeits his or her own rights. lives around. Capital punishment may discourage The courts can make a fatal mistake. In others from committing murder. the past, innocent people have been executed for crimes they did not commit.