the society

Question 1

areas of agreement

Answer 1

both branches of liberalism argue that society is a place where individualism should be free to flourish
They agree that society is a place where individuals should enjoy both foundational equality (we are all born with equal entitlement) and formal equality (equal status for all members of society regardless of social background)
They agree that the individuals in society should only be governed by consent and agreed constitution
they agree that society should promote not merely freedom but also cultural, economic and intellectual progress.

Question 2

Paragraph two

Answer 2

classical liberals such as Locke argued that natural laws and natural rights of society predate the creation of the state.
- In a natural society, humankind will obey natural laws which ensure mutual sympathy and tolerance. However, Wollenstoncraft argued that society ‘infantilised’ women and inhibited female individualism. Freidan argued that society was discriminatory for women. The two felt that society needed to be reformed and provide equality for women.

Question 3

Paragraph three

Answer 3

By the 19th century, liberals such as Mill argued that the minimal state model, favoured by classical liberals was restricting the ability of the individual to be free. Negative freedom did not recognise that freedom could be threatened by social and material disadvantages. In his later writings, Mill advocated positive freedom, arguing that it would enhance freedom for the individual

Question 4

Paragraph four

Answer 4

rawls said that classical liberal societies led to inequality and advoacted a proactive role of the state in society
He argued for increased social justice in which poverty, inequality and discrimination in society were tackled by the state. This would require increased state spending to fund an enabling welfare state. For classical liberals, such ideas are an infringement of freedom for enabling the state to tax individuals to fund its interventions. For classical liberals, the enabling state limits individualism, reduces self-reliance and creates a dependency culture.