Populism Vs Progressivism with table and definition

We explain the difference between populism and progressivism with table. Since a country is run by its people, it is important to understand the value of equality and democracy in a growing world. Choosing a government is not enough for the people, but choosing the right government probably is. populism vs progressivism

The country is not governed only by a set of written rules and regulations, but there are some issues that can only be controlled by representing the people. Since there are humans, society will have some kind of problems in terms of equality, religion, etc.

Sometimes things are present by law but not implemented properly or some enforcement issues are faced due to diversity, for example India. In India there is a diversity of religions, castes, races, etc. Although there is a condition of equality mentioned in bold in the constitution, but often few classes face discrimination.

There are different political approaches of the government and the people in relation to the welfare of society. Some people feel the need to lift up the weaker sections of society, but others want to run society with persistent discrimination.

Sometimes few policies face retaliation due to injustice towards one section of society. The principles of democracy or equality or equity are questioned by people in the country who are likely to face injustices within a country.populism vs progressivism

Sometimes it is the demand of the situation, as a policy that is beneficial to a business class could put farmers in misery, so a fair policy should be made to benefit all sections instead of putting efforts to the already privileged class.

The difference between populism and progressivism is their ideology and approach. Populism and progressivism aim to maintain a policy for the ideal development and well-being of the people, but their approach is different.populism vs progressivism

Comparative table between populism and progressivism

Comparison parameters Populism Progressivism

What is populism?

Populism is a political approach in which populists try to make a difference between ordinary people and relatively upper class elites. It is seen as undemocratic and a permanent shadow of representative politics.

Populism can be explained by a simple ideology of dividing society into “us” and “them.” It divides the society into which “we” are the elite and “they” are the common people. The reason behind this ideology is that the political approach is made by and for the elite social class.populism vs progressivism

All welfare is done in order to develop the already developed class rather than the elevation of the whole society. It is based more on the idea of ​​common representation and empowerment. The dominance of populism is not only in the hands of groups of the right and left, but also of people or any group that faces problems with powerful segments.

It does not provide a holistic approach towards the development of society, it works within the borders of the biased society that aims at the well-being of the society. Therefore, the impacts of populism are often contradictory.

Populism aims at the developed society, but the people of the upper sectors are not willing to eliminate the difference within the prevailing society on the basis of the wealth of the people that creates social problems.

Populism is conflictive due to its biased approach and it is certainly not new to society, it prevails from the time of the establishment of human society, which makes society biased and corrupt. Populism is often perceived against democratic values ​​or democracy itself.populism vs progressivism

The term “populism” gained popularity when the American populist movement began in the 1890s. Although it always prevailed in society, the term was made popular by the American movement, which was a farmers’ movement fighting for income inequality.

What is progressivism?

Progressivism is a political philosophy, which advocates for social reforms based on the idea of ​​progress in promotion, education, income, etc. with a more holistic approach. Unlike populism, progressivism brings people together and opens paths in the direction of development for everyone and everyone.

Progressivism points to welfare programs that serve to raise the minimum quality of life in all sectors of society. It makes people work together beyond the barriers of unequal status of wealth, caste, class, religion, etc.

There is no or less chance of conflict, most likely the only challenge progressivism faces is corruption, in which people are willing and working together to make a better society, but some elements would try to line their pockets in first place.

Progressivism wishes to give social and political representation to all ordinary people and certainly seeks to establish equity between the classes. Progressivism works for democracy.

Progressivism can be synonymous with accepting reforms. It always welcomes political and social reforms to improve the human condition in modern society.

The origin of progressivism can be seen during the enlightenment period in the 18th century in the western world with the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Main differences between Populism and progressivism

• Populism is a biased political approach towards the growth of society, while progressivism is a unanimous approach towards the growth of society.
• Populism divides society into “us” and “them,” on the contrary, progressivism unites the divided society.
• Populism creates conflict in society, while progressivism brings peace and prosperity to society.
• Populism violates democracy and the principles of democracy, while progressivism defends the principles.
• Populism always prevailed since the time of the establishment of human society, on the contrary, progressivism was the need felt during the eighteenth century by the people of the West.

Final Thought

Populism and progressivism aim to develop society through different approaches.

Their goals are similar but their approach is different because progressivism is said to be an ideal approach for the future as well.populism vs progressivism

Populism and progressivism advocate welfare in which populism can work in the short term and progressivism, which is a holistic approach, can work in the long term.