Populism vs Progressivism
Populism is a political outlook that divides society into a virtuous ordinary people and a corrupt elite, and holds that politics should express the will of the people.
- Society is divided between ordinary people and a self-serving elite.
- The people are morally right and their will should guide politics.
- Established parties, experts and institutions often serve the elite rather than the public.
Progressivism prioritizes social reform, expanded civil rights and active government efforts to reduce inequality and address problems created by economic and social change.
- Society can be improved through deliberate reform.
- Government should reduce inequality and regulate powerful businesses.
- Civil rights should be extended to groups that have faced discrimination.
- Populism: petals and stars
- Progressivism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Culture125 points apart
Populism: National identity (moderate). Progressivism: Multicultural (strong).
- Foreign policy110 points apart
Populism: Strength (moderate). Progressivism: Cooperation (strong).
- Authority105 points apart
Populism: Strong leader (moderate). Progressivism: Democratic (moderate).
- Morality105 points apart
Populism: Traditional (mild). Progressivism: Progressive (strong).
★ Where they are closest
- Structure · 0 apart
- Welfare · 20 apart
- Ownership · 25 apart
Axis by axis
Progressivism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipBalanced53%47%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Planned58%42%PlannedFree
- WelfareMild: Shared65%35%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Strong leader28%72%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityMild: Order35%65%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Central45%55%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Traditional45%55%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionBalanced48%52%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Caution40%60%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: National identity33%67%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Protected25%75%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Strength33%67%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Populism or Progressivism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Populism or Progressivism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Populism vs Progressivism
What is the difference between Populism and Progressivism?
Populism is a political outlook that divides society into a virtuous ordinary people and a corrupt elite, and holds that politics should express the will of the people. Progressivism prioritizes social reform, expanded civil rights and active government efforts to reduce inequality and address problems created by economic and social change. On the 12 axes they differ most on culture, foreign policy, authority.
What do Populism and Progressivism have in common?
Their positions are closest on structure, welfare, ownership. Overall their profiles are a 61% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Populism or Progressivism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.