To be right-wing generally means to hold political ideologies that support certain social orders and hierarchies as natural, desirable, or inevitable. Right-wing beliefs typically emphasize conservatism, authority, property rights, tradition, and may reject egalitarian goals, seeing social or economic inequality as natural or beneficial. This includes social and fiscal conservatism, supporting limited government intervention in the economy, upholding traditional values, and often prioritizing individual freedom and personal responsibility over social equality. Right-wing politics can range from moderate conservatism to radical or extreme forms such as right-wing populism and far-right ideologies, which may emphasize nationalism, anti- immigration stances, and a strong state.
Core Beliefs of Right-Wing Politics
- Support for natural social hierarchies and inequality as either inevitable or beneficial.
- Emphasis on tradition, authority, religion, property rights, and law and order.
- Preference for limited government intervention in economics and individual liberties.
- Opposition to extensive social reforms or socialist policies.
- Right-wing populism often involves nationalism, anti-elitism, and skepticism towards immigration.
Variations within Right-Wing Politics
- Moderate right-wing views accept gradual change and some social welfare but emphasize nationalism and capitalism.
- Radical right-wing may include right-wing populism and more assertive cultural conservatism.
- Extreme or far-right politics often involve ultranationalism, authoritarianism, racism, and rejection of democratic norms.
Political Spectrum Context
- Right-wing is contrasted with left-wing politics which prioritize social equality, progressive change, and government intervention in social issues.
- In many countries, right-wing parties include conservatives, Christian democrats, classical liberals, and nationalists. Far-right includes more extreme nationalist and exclusionary groups.
In summary, being right-wing means valuing tradition, hierarchy, individual freedom, and limited government, often with a focus on conserving established social orders and opposing radical social change.
