LABOURISM Meaning and
Definition
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Labourism is a political ideology or philosophy that emphasizes the interests and rights of laborers and workers in society. It is also known as laborism or social democracy. Labourism seeks to promote the well-being and welfare of workers and improve their working conditions through collective bargaining and equitable distribution of wealth.
At its core, labourism advocates for the protection of workers' rights and the advancement of their interests within a capitalist economic system. It recognizes the inherent class struggles between labor and capital and aims to reduce social inequalities by implementing social reforms such as minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and social security programs. Labourism often aligns itself with trade unions and supports their role in negotiating fair wages and improved working conditions for employees.
In many cases, labourism becomes a key component of organized labor movements and political parties. These parties, such as the British Labour Party or the Australian Labor Party, advocate for social justice, equal opportunities, and wealth redistribution. They often promote progressive policies and pursue the creation of a welfare state that offers public services such as education, healthcare, and social security.
While labourism shares some ideologies with socialism, it typically operates within the framework of a capitalist society rather than aiming for the complete overthrow of the capitalist system. Overall, labourism seeks to create a society in which workers are empowered and their economic security is safeguarded.
Etymology of LABOURISM
The word "labourism" is derived from the noun "labour", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "labor". "Labour" refers to physical or mental work done for the purpose of production, often in the context of employment. The suffix "-ism" is added to the word "labour" to indicate a specific ideology, political movement, or philosophy related to labor-related issues. In this case, "labourism" refers to the political ideology that prioritizes the interests and well-being of the working class. It emerged as a distinct term in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the rise of organized labor movements.
