Using examples, explain the difference between left-wing and right-wing political ideas. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2014 - Paper 1

Left-wing proponents view capitalism with skepticism, believing that it needs regulation to protect workers from exploitation. For example, the left supports a minimum wage to safeguard employees from being underpaid. In contrast, right-wing advocates generally favor less government intervention in the market, supporting ideas such as the lowering of corporate taxes to encourage business growth and wealth creation.

Those on the left argue that the state should take responsibility for the welfare of all citizens, especially the vulnerable. They advocate for universal benefits, whereas right-wing ideologies may reject extensive welfare systems, arguing that the state should do less and allow individuals to take more initiative.

Left-wing thinkers posit that society is inherently unequal and that measures need to be taken to level the playing field, such as addressing the privileges of certain minority groups. Right-wing beliefs, however, often lean toward the idea of meritocracy, where social and economic disparities are seen as natural consequences of individual effort and talent.