Why has liberalism been considered the "ideology of the bourgeoisie" or middle class?
I am really struggling with this question... can you please help?
"From its origins in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe and the United States, liberalism was the ideology of the bourgeoisie. Its early political legitimacy rested on its claim to speak for the productive elements of the entire nation—in France this was called the “Third Estate” of bourgeoisie, peasants and workers—aligned in social revolution against feudal elements in society: the royalty, the clergy and the landed gentry. Yet, in spite of its claims, from the beginning liberalism expressed in politics and economy the aims of the bourgeoisie. What this meant in practice was the domination of the state by capitalism, the breaking down within the nation of feudal barriers to the capitalist market, and the subjugation of the working class."
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/sep2008/herb-s19.shtml
Sure! Understanding why liberalism has often been associated with the bourgeoisie or middle class requires looking at the historical context and the core principles of liberalism.
Liberalism emerged during the Enlightenment era in the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when socioeconomic stratification was evident. The bourgeoisie, a social class situated between the aristocracy and the working class, grew in prominence during this period. They were typically urban merchants, professionals, and educated individuals who possessed wealth and social influence.
Now, let's explore the principles of liberalism. Liberalism promotes individual liberty, equality, and limited government intervention in economic and social affairs. It emphasizes the protection of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and property rights. Liberalism is also associated with free-market capitalism, where supply and demand dynamics determine prices and the allocation of resources.
Given these principles, liberalism was seen as aligning well with the interests of the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie sought economic freedom, less government interference in their business operations, and the protection of property rights. Liberalism's support for free markets and limited government intervention provided a conducive environment for the bourgeoisie to thrive, accumulate wealth, and maintain their social status.
Furthermore, liberalism's emphasis on individual liberties and equality appealed to the aspirations of the rising middle class. The bourgeoisie sought to lessen the privileges enjoyed by the aristocracy and the monarchy, pushing for the dismantling of feudalistic structures and promoting the equality of citizens before the law.
It is important to note that the association between liberalism and the bourgeoisie is not absolute or exclusive. Liberalism also attracted support from other groups, including workers and intellectuals who advocated for political reforms and individual freedoms. Nonetheless, the historical context and the alignment of liberal principles with the interests of the bourgeoisie have contributed to the perception of liberalism as the "ideology of the bourgeoisie" or middle class.
To summarize, liberalism has often been viewed as the "ideology of the bourgeoisie" or middle class due to its historical association with the rise of the bourgeoisie during the Enlightenment era and the alignment of liberal principles with their economic and social interests. This viewpoint emerged from the desire for economic freedom, limited government intervention, and protection of property rights, which were shared by the bourgeoisie in their pursuit of prosperity and social status.