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In reply to the discussion: Politically correct or intellectually rude?? [View all]MichelleB
(80 posts)"Right wing" redirects here. For conservative political thought, see conservatism.
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In politics, right-wing describes an outlook or specific position that seeks to justify social hierarchy or social inequality.[1][2][3][4] Social hierarchy and social inequality is viewed by those affiliated with the Right as either inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable,[2] whether it arises through traditional social differences[5] or from competition in market economies.[6][7] It typically accepts or justifies this position on the basis of natural law or tradition.[4][8][9][10][11]
The political terms Right and Left were coined during the French Revolution (178999), and referred to where politicians sat in the French parliament; those who sat to the right of the chair of the parliamentary president were broadly supportive of the institutions of the monarchist Ancien Régime.[12][13][14][15] The original Right in France was formed as a reaction against the Left, and comprised those politicians supporting hierarchy, tradition, and clericalism.[16] The use of the expression la droite (the right) became prominent in France after the restoration of the monarchy in 1815, when le droit was applied to describe the Ultra-royalists.[17] In English-speaking countries it was not until the 20th century that people applied the terms "right" and "left" to their own politics.[18]
From the 1830s to the 1880s, there was a shift in the Western world of social class structure and the economy, moving away from the nobility and mercantilism, and moving towards the bourgeoisie and capitalism.[19] This general economic shift towards capitalism affected centre right movements such as the British Conservative Party that responded by becoming supportive of capitalism.[20]
Although the term 'right-wing' originally designated traditional conservatives and reactionaries, it has also been used to describe classical liberals, Christian democrats, racists, and nationalists.[15]
Just for your info.