Liberalism vs. Neoliberalism — What's the Difference?

Economic stance favoring a mixed economy.

Ideology promoting reduced government spending.

A system emphasizing democratic governance.

An economic policy model focusing on free markets.

Focus on equal opportunity and social justice.

Focus on privatization of public services.

A tradition rooted in the Enlightenment.

Stresses competition and efficiency.

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed and equality before the law. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but they generally support individual rights (including civil rights and human rights), democracy, secularism, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and a market economy.

A 20th-century adaptation of classical liberal principles.

The state or quality of being liberal.

Neoliberalism (or neo-liberalism) is a term used to describe the 20th-century resurgence of 19th-century ideas associated with economic liberalism and free-market capitalism. It is generally associated with policies of economic liberalization, including privatization, deregulation, globalization, free trade, austerity and reductions in government spending in order to increase the role of the private sector in the economy and society; however, the defining features of neoliberalism in both thought and practice have been the subject of substantial scholarly debate.

A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.

A political theory of the late 1900s holding that personal liberty is maximized by limiting government interference in the operation of free markets.

Often Liberalism The tenets or policies of a Liberal party.

A political ideology or ideological trend based on neoclassical economics that espouses economic liberalism, favouring trade liberalisation, financial deregulation, a small government, privatisation and liberalisation of government businesses, passive antitrust enforcement, accepting greater economic inequality and disfavouring unionisation.

An economic theory in favor of laissez-faire, the free market, and the gold standard.

(US) The ideology associated with the New Democrats and the Democratic Leadership Council.

A 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.

A political orientation originating in the 1960s, blending liberal political views with an emphasis on economic growth.

A 19th-century Roman Catholic movement that favored political democracy and ecclesiastical reform but was theologically orthodox.

A political orientation originating in the 1960s; blends liberal political views with an emphasis on economic growth

The quality of being liberal.

(politics) Any political movement founded on the autonomy and personal freedom of the individual, progress and reform, and government by law with the consent of the governed.

(economics) An economic ideology in favour of laissez faire and the free market (related to economic liberalism).

Liberal principles; the principles and methods of the liberals in politics or religion; specifically, the principles of the Liberal party.

A political orientation that favors progress and reform

An economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market and the gold standard

Political ideology advocating individual freedom.

Neoliberalism is an economic framework emphasizing market deregulation and reduced state intervention.

Neoliberalism is often associated with right-wing economic policies.

Liberalism is a political ideology advocating for individual freedom, democracy, and social equality.

Liberalism supports a balanced role for government in economic regulation and social welfare.

Neoliberalism primarily focuses on economic issues, often neglecting social welfare.

Neoliberalism is derived from liberal principles but focuses mostly on economic aspects.

Liberalism can manifest in both left and right political contexts but is generally considered left-leaning in the U.S.

Neoliberalism advocates for reduced government intervention, especially in economic matters.

Liberalism emphasizes social programs, human rights, and equality.

Liberalism may support progressive taxation, while Neoliberalism prefers low taxes.

It emerged during the Enlightenment era.

It gained prominence in the late 20th century.

Democracy isn't a primary focus in Neoliberalism, which centers more on economic freedom.

They can coexist but often have conflicting views on the role of the state.

Democracy is a cornerstone of Liberalism.