Understanding Political Terms People Are Talking About
- Kerry Cavers
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
And where these political terms fall on the left-to-right spectrum
We created this quick overview to help you understand political terms people are talking about like right-wing, socialism, fascism, communism, liberalism, and more. These words get thrown around in debates, political ads, and media headlines, but they're not always used accurately or consistently.
And let’s be honest: sometimes they’re used to shut down conversation, stir up fear, or signal allegiance without actually explaining what they mean.
This post breaks it all down in plain language, so you can better understand where different ideologies sit on the political spectrum, what they stand for, and how they impact real people. From the far left to the far right, here’s what each label really means and why it matters. Then, over the next couple of days, we will do a deeper dive on each one to really solidify our understanding.
⬅️ FAR LEFT
Anarchism
Belief that all forms of government and hierarchy should be dismantled.
Supports a society where people live and cooperate without rulers, police, or centralized power.
Focuses on community care, mutual aid, and collective decision-making.
Often misunderstood as chaos, but many anarchists focus on peaceful, voluntary systems that are anti-authoritarian.
Communism
A political and economic system where the government (or people collectively) own all property and means of production (factories, land, etc.).
Goal: complete equality and no class system.
Everyone shares resources and wealth according to need.
In practice, communist governments have often become authoritarian, limiting rights and freedoms.
📌 Example: Soviet Union, Maoist China
Marxism
A theory of power and class developed by Karl Marx.
Says capitalism creates inequality, and the working class should rise up to create a classless society.
Not a political party, but a set of ideas that influenced socialism and communism.
Today, Marxist ideas are used to analyze systems of oppression, especially economic inequality.
Socialism
Supports public ownership of essential services (like healthcare, housing, education).
Aims to reduce inequality while still allowing some private business and property.
Often involves higher taxes on the rich to support social programs.
📌 Examples: Canada’s public healthcare, Norway, Sweden
Progressivism
Focuses on social reform and justice, especially for marginalized groups.
Pushes for racial, gender, climate, and economic equity.
Supports strong public services and structural change through democratic systems.
Not a political party, but a political and social movement focused on creating a more fair, inclusive, and equitable society, especially for people who have been historically marginalized or excluded.
Many left-leaning people and parties are considered progressive.
Liberalism
Focuses on individual rights, freedoms, and equality under the law.
Supports capitalism, but with some government regulation to protect people.
Often centre or centre-left, depending on the policies.
📌 In Canada: The Liberal Party blends progressive values with moderate economic policies.
Neoliberalism (Centre to Centre-Right)
A modern version of liberalism focused on free markets, privatization, and deregulation.
Pushes for less government, more private control, and “efficiency” over equity.
Has led to cuts in public services and the rise of corporate power.
📌 Neoliberal policies have been used by both Liberal and Conservative governments in Canada.
➡️ CENTRE-RIGHT TO FAR RIGHT
Conservatism
Emphasizes tradition, personal responsibility, and a smaller role for government.
Supports free markets, low taxes, and private enterprise.
Social conservatism may include opposing abortion, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, or immigration reform.
📌 In Canada: The Conservative Party sits on the right side of the spectrum.
Libertarianism
Belief in maximum individual freedom and minimal government.
Opposes most taxes, public services, and government regulation.
Thinks people should take care of themselves, not rely on collective systems.
While it sounds “freedom-focused,” it often ignores how power and privilege affect who can actually thrive without support.
Right-Wing Populism
Not a political party but rather a political movement that claims to speak for “ordinary people” while blaming society’s problems on “elites,” immigrants, or marginalized groups.
Often mixes nationalism, anti-immigration, racism, and anti-government sentiment.
Can become hostile to media, protest movements, and marginalized communities.
📌 This is where far-right movements often start.
Fascism
A far-right, authoritarian system that uses fear, violence, and nationalism to gain control.
Silences opposition, blames vulnerable groups, and uses state power to enforce obedience.
Often involves racism, patriarchy, militarism, and dictatorship.
📌 Example: Nazi Germany under Hitler, and being established in the United States under Trump.
Authoritarianism (can exist on either extreme)
A political system where power is concentrated in one leader or group, with limited input from the people.
Often involves censorship, surveillance, punishment of dissent, and control over everyday life.
Can happen on the far left (Communist dictatorships) or far right (Fascist regimes).
Why These Terms Matter:
These aren’t just academic words, they help us understand:
What a party or politician really stands for
Who their policies help and who they hurt
Whether they are working toward liberation or control
And always ask: “Who benefits?” “Who is left behind?” “What power structures are being protected or challenged?”
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