I am way out of my (tiny) area of expertise here, but it occurred to me yesterday while reading this article by the Globe and Mail that there is a strange divide between typically “right” and “left” parties that I haven’t thought about before.
The general idea is that “left” parties (Democrats), tend to promote economic policies that focus on the collective. They look at “correcting” economic outcomes, often by redistributing wealth. This stems from a focus on the group, not on individual economic actors. When it comes to lots of other policies (what I erroneously called “social policies” in the table), left wing parties seem to focus more on individuals. Torture is always wrong because it violates individual rights. Gay marriage is good because of the rights of individuals (at least in Canada).
Conservatives, (or the “right”, or Republicans) have the opposite focus. Torture may be okay in some situations because the security of the group depends on it. The same argument can be made for wiretaps or detentions without trial or what have you. Similarly, the morals of the group are seen to be at stake in the gay marriage debate. When it comes to economics, however, the individual is king. Thatcher, in one great quote that I am paraphrasing said that “there is no such thing as society”.
I have no great conclusions with this, just some open pondering. Have I belatedly stumbled upon something everyone already knows? Anyone know where I can read more on this? Discussion is on twitter.
