Progressivism

Explanation

Progressivism refers to politics oriented toward reform and improvement — addressing inequality, expanding rights, and using government power to remedy social problems. The term has different historical uses: the U.S. Progressive Era (1890s–1920s) targeted corporate monopolies and corruption; contemporary progressivism in the U.S. refers to the left-wing of the Democratic Party, advocating for Medicare for All, free college, wealth taxes, and climate action. In Europe, "progressive" generally describes center-left and left parties. Progressivism shares terrain with social democracy but often implies a more assertive reform agenda and greater skepticism of incremental change.