Social liberalism is a political ideology that seeks to find a balance between i

ndividual liberty and social justice. Like classical liberalism, social liberali
sm endorses a market economy and the expansion of civil and political rights and
liberties, but differs in that it believes the legitimate role of the governmen
t includes addressing economic and social issues such as poverty, health care, a
nd education.[1][2][3] Under social liberalism, the good of the community is vie
wed as harmonious with the freedom of the individual.[4] Social liberal policies
have been widely adopted in much of the capitalist world, particularly followin
g World War II.[5] Social liberal ideas and parties tend to be considered centri
st or centre-left.[6][7][8][9][10]
The term "social liberalism" is used to differentiate it from classical liberali
sm, which dominated political and economic thought for several centuries until s
ocial liberalism branched off from it around the Great Depression.[11][12]
A reaction against social liberalism in the late twentieth century, often called
neoliberalism, led to monetarist economic policies and a reduction in governmen
t provision of services. However, this reaction did not result in a return to cl
assical liberalism, as governments continued to provide social services and reta
ined control over economic policy.[13]
In American political usage, the term "social liberalism" describes progressive
stances on socio-political issues like abortion, same-sex marriage or gun contro
l, as opposed to "social conservatism". A social liberal in this sense may hold
either "liberal" or "conservative" views on fiscal policy.[14] (See Modern liber
alism in the United States.)