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social democracy

social democracy

3 5.1
A political belief that uses democracy to make the economy fairer and support people's basic needs
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊʃəl dɛməˈkræsi/
translation icon : democracia social
  • Scandinavian social democracy
  • democratic social democracy
  • socialism or social democracy

There were three versions of social democracy.

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Examples

  • The Catholic Church has long had a mixed attitude toward social democracy.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Indeed, Sweden did not become wealthy through social democracy, big government, and a large welfare state.

    Blog text (31)
  • But the political and economic balancing act of social democracy appears possible only if economic growth continues.

    Blog text (22)
  • At its core, modern social democracy stands for a high-wage, high-skill society, supported by decent environmental and social standards.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Throughout most of the post-WW II period, Norway has been viewed as one of the heartlands of social democracy.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Social democracy aims to balance a mixed economy while ensuring social justice for all citizens.

  • Many European countries have successfully implemented social democracy, promoting welfare alongside capitalism.

  • The principles of social democracy advocate for democratic means to achieve a more equitable society.

Antonyms

292 3.8

A system where people or companies own businesses and property to make money

Belief that people should have as much personal freedom as possible with little government control

How Socialistic

communism
139 5.0
socialism
192 5.0
social democracy
3 5.1
conservatism
83 4.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

social + democracy

The compound combines 'social' (relating to society, welfare or social issues) with 'democracy' (rule by the people), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a form of democracy that emphasizes social justice and welfare. While detailed ideological nuances (e.g. mixed economy or gradual transition to socialism) are technical, the core meaning is compositional and cross-linguistically predictable.

Etymology

Social democracy combines social (about society and public welfare) and democracy ('rule by the people'). Early political activists wanted to make social change by elections and laws, not by 'revolution', so imagine people building a fairer society step by step with votes — that's why social democracy means seeking social justice through democratic methods.