Political Ideologies: Liberalism - Define individualism and explain its implications for the state

Here is an essay I wrote while studying liberalism in 2009

Robyn, UK

Define individualism and explain its implications for the state

Individualism is a core theme of the liberal ideology, although it has now been embraced by the Conservative New Right. It first arose in the early 19^th century as feudal life broke down and the society was understood from the viewpoint of the individual. Individuals were thought to possess personal and distinctive qualities with each being of special value. Liberals view society as a collection of individuals, each seeking to satisfy his or her own needs and interests. This is equated with atomism as they believe society doesn’t exist but is merely a collection of self-sufficient individuals. It is based on the assumption that the individual is egotistical, essentially self-seeking and largely self-reliant, liberals desire to create a society in which each person is capable of developing and flourishing to the fullness of their potential. This belief and the consequential desires of it have many implications for the liberal view of the state.

Liberals don’t believe that a balanced and tolerant society will develop naturally out of the free actions of the individual. Liberals fear that free individuals may wish to exploit others if it is in their interests to do so. Therefore our liberty requires that they are restrained from encroaching on our freedom and their liberty safeguards them from us. Such protection can only be provided by a sovereign state capable of restraining all individuals within society. The argument for the social contract theory developed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke explains the individuals political obligations towards the state. Rational individuals would enter into a social contract to form a state in order to escape from the disorder and chaos of the state of nature.

This highlights the value of the sovereign state to the individual and suggests that political authority comes ‘from below’ as the state is created by individuals for individuals. This implies that citizens do not have an absolute obligation to obey all laws or accept any form of government. If government breaks the terms of this contract then the legitimacy of government evaporates and citizens have the right of rebellion.

The social contract theory expects individuals to recognise it is in their interests to sacrifice a portion of their liberty in order to set up a system of law otherwise their rights and lives would constantly be under threat. This suggests that the role of the state is to protect individual rights and protect individuals from external threats.

The social contract portrays the state as an umpire on society as it is created by an agreement amongst all the people. It embodies the interests of all citizens and its actions are seen to be impartial. Liberals regard the state as a neutral arbiter amongst the competing individuals and groups within society.

Classic liberals believe in minimal state with the states proper role restricted to the maintenance of domestic order, the enforcement of contracts and the protection of society against external attack. Modern liberals on the other hand are prepared to advocate the development of an interventionist state as the minimal state was incapable of rectifying the injustices and inequalities of civil society. The liberal new right regards the state as a realm of coercion and un-freedom as collectivism restricts individuals initiative and saps self-respect and restates the case for a minimal state.