Cultural liberalism
Encyclopedia
Cultural liberalism is a liberal
view of society that stresses the freedom of individuals from cultural norms. It is often expressed, in the words of Thoreau
as the right to "march to the beat of a different drummer". Cultural liberals believe that society should not impose any specific code of behaviour, and they see themselves as defending the rights of non-conformists to express their own identity however they see fit, as long as they do not hurt anyone.
The culture wars in politics are disagreements between cultural liberals and cultural conservatives. For example, cultural liberals argue that all religion
(s) and forms of worship (or lack thereof) should be tolerated. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance" and the Constitution of the United States
states that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". Cultural liberals are strongly opposed to censorship or any kind of oversight of spoken or written material in peacetime.. They believe that the structure of one's family
and the nature of marriage
should be left up to individual decision, and they argue that, as long as one does no harm, no lifestyle is inherently better than any other.
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
view of society that stresses the freedom of individuals from cultural norms. It is often expressed, in the words of Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, and leading transcendentalist...
as the right to "march to the beat of a different drummer". Cultural liberals believe that society should not impose any specific code of behaviour, and they see themselves as defending the rights of non-conformists to express their own identity however they see fit, as long as they do not hurt anyone.
The culture wars in politics are disagreements between cultural liberals and cultural conservatives. For example, cultural liberals argue that all religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
(s) and forms of worship (or lack thereof) should be tolerated. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance" and the Constitution of the United States
United States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
states that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". Cultural liberals are strongly opposed to censorship or any kind of oversight of spoken or written material in peacetime.. They believe that the structure of one's family
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
and the nature of marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
should be left up to individual decision, and they argue that, as long as one does no harm, no lifestyle is inherently better than any other.