Recently, there has been renewed debate about ideological imbalance in academia, the political scientist Robert Maranto complaining about the dearth of conservatives in his field.
I'm not sure if 'progressive ideology'(?) is the right turn of phrase. I still associate progressivism and left-wing ideology with socialism, which is an extreme viewpoint in a very different way to the new identitarian/postmodern left-wing tradition. They are both far left ideologies for very different reasons.
Perhaps an analogous discussion could be had about the far-right, how the media distinguishes the more incoheremt reactionary/alt right movement with the more traditional conservation movement...
Yes, I've used 'social justice ideology' in the past, for the reasons you mention, but most people seem to use 'progressivism' now? It's so hard to pick a good term!
This is one of the most insightful and helpful articles I've read on the drift of the left and why there seems to be so little understanding or intelligent discussion of it. I'm especially grateful for this one - thanks !
They will eat themselves a la Dantonists, Herbertists, Montagnards. The academy will be an intellectual wasteland, which it very nearly is already. There is not so much an "ideological imbalance" as you write, but rather an intellectual one, a philosophical one. Conservatism is a philosophy unto itself. What we call progressivism is... what? Not Marxism purely, not Marcusian, not totally Comptian (though close) and not completely dedicated to Alinskiy's bullshit. What are they? Well, they are French revolutionaries, pursuing unattainable perfection and willing to burn down the church merely warm their hands.
Thanks for your comment. I don't agree with everything Marano asserts and wouldn't welcome the far right into academia. I think the context is different in the UK/Europe, where moderates tend to be (just) in control of the right.
There are moderate conservatives in academia, yet I'd like more of them, as I think it would mean more balanced debate. But whilst education is such a strong predictor of political values, this will be challenging. I don't have good solutions but feel that certain academic communities do could do more to encourage moderate conservatives to enter the sector! Best,
I'm not sure if 'progressive ideology'(?) is the right turn of phrase. I still associate progressivism and left-wing ideology with socialism, which is an extreme viewpoint in a very different way to the new identitarian/postmodern left-wing tradition. They are both far left ideologies for very different reasons.
Perhaps an analogous discussion could be had about the far-right, how the media distinguishes the more incoheremt reactionary/alt right movement with the more traditional conservation movement...
Yes, I've used 'social justice ideology' in the past, for the reasons you mention, but most people seem to use 'progressivism' now? It's so hard to pick a good term!
Very insightful - thanks!
Thanks Mark :-)
This is one of the most insightful and helpful articles I've read on the drift of the left and why there seems to be so little understanding or intelligent discussion of it. I'm especially grateful for this one - thanks !
Thanks Mike! Hope you're well :-)
They will eat themselves a la Dantonists, Herbertists, Montagnards. The academy will be an intellectual wasteland, which it very nearly is already. There is not so much an "ideological imbalance" as you write, but rather an intellectual one, a philosophical one. Conservatism is a philosophy unto itself. What we call progressivism is... what? Not Marxism purely, not Marcusian, not totally Comptian (though close) and not completely dedicated to Alinskiy's bullshit. What are they? Well, they are French revolutionaries, pursuing unattainable perfection and willing to burn down the church merely warm their hands.
Thanks! Interesting point!
Hi Brad,
Thanks for your comment. I don't agree with everything Marano asserts and wouldn't welcome the far right into academia. I think the context is different in the UK/Europe, where moderates tend to be (just) in control of the right.
There are moderate conservatives in academia, yet I'd like more of them, as I think it would mean more balanced debate. But whilst education is such a strong predictor of political values, this will be challenging. I don't have good solutions but feel that certain academic communities do could do more to encourage moderate conservatives to enter the sector! Best,
Tom
Broadly agree with that. Viewed from Europe, the disintegration of the American right has been bewildering and terrifying.