Liberalism that Broke the Promise of 'Mutual Prosperity'…Why the Working Class Turned Away The promise of 'mutual prosperity' made by liberalism seems to have been broken. The working class, which had been expected to be a key supporter of liberal policies, appears to have turned away. This phenomenon is prompting a re-examination of the relationship between liberalism and the working class. To understand this shift, it is essential to look at the evolution of liberal policies and their impact on the working class. Historically, liberalism has been associated with the promotion of free markets, deregulation, and reduction in government intervention in the economy. These policies were intended to spur economic growth and increase prosperity. However, critics argue that they have also led to increased income inequality and decreased social mobility. Many members of the working class feel that liberal policies have not benefited them and have instead widened the gap between the rich and the poor. This sentiment has contributed to the erosion of support for liberalism among working-class individuals. The disillusionment with liberalism is not limited to economic issues. Some working-class individuals also feel that liberal policies have neglected their social and cultural concerns. They believe that liberal elites have failed to address issues such as immigration, cultural identity, and job security. As a result, many working-class individuals have turned to alternative political movements that better represent their interests. The shift away from liberalism among the working class has significant implications for politics and policy. It highlights the need for liberal politicians to re-engage with the working class and address their concerns. This may involve revising liberal policies to make them more inclusive and equitable. Ultimately, the future of liberalism depends on its ability to adapt to the changing needs and concerns of the working class. If liberalism fails to do so, it risks losing the support of a critical constituency. In conclusion, the working class's turn away from liberalism is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes. It reflects a deeper discontent with the impact of liberal policies on the working class. To regain the support of the working class, liberal politicians must be willing to listen to their concerns and adapt their policies accordingly. Only then can liberalism hope to regain its former appeal and fulfill its promise of mutual prosperity.
The excerpt discusses the recent decline of American economic growth and corresponding social inequalities in the United States. This issue has been gaining attention in recent years, as evidenced by the Nobel Prize-winning American economist Daron Acemoglu's 2026 book, "What Happened to Liberal Democracy?" Acemoglu attributes the country's economic boom in the post-war period to the functioning of liberal principles, but argues that the current economic struggles cannot be explained by ignoring this aspect.
Acemoglu explores the philosophical origins and history of liberalism, and examines the factors contributing to its current crisis. He outlines the need to revive liberalism in the post-industrial and digital age, along with concrete solutions. His conclusion, "working-class liberalism," summarizes this process, emphasizing that liberalism is a complex and nuanced concept with a common denominator: respect for individual rights and freedoms, checks on power, equality before the law, a belief in progress, and a commitment to helping the vulnerable.
Acemoglu criticizes the current liberal version of the Democratic Party in the United States, which has become dominated by urban elites and has become less supportive of working-class interests. He argues that the issues of representation for working-class people have worsened as the Democratic Party has shifted towards more progressive and identity-based politics. This shift has been observed in the growing prominence of "cancel culture" and "platform shutdowns" on the left, which threaten free speech.
The author emphasizes the importance of free speech as a core value of liberalism, even when expressing unpopular or contentious opinions. In the context of current global challenges like climate change, Acemoglu calls for a more inclusive and socially responsible version of liberalism that emphasizes shared prosperity and public services.
He advocates for "worker-friendly AI" that can help workers adapt to technological changes instead of replacing them. Overall, Acemoglu's work presents a comprehensive and critical look at the state of liberalism in contemporary society, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and socially responsible approach.
Written by urgent.news from Hankyoreh's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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