American Liberalism vs. Social Democracy

[Joz]

Compare and contrast these two.

LOL, no this is not a homework question or anything like that (I've been out of college for a bit). I'm seriously trying to figure out what, if any, is the difference between these two. I'm trying to figure out which one I would be more like. Yeah and I know, labels blah, but barring that, what would you say is different between these two ideologies?

[Aqaba]

1. Nothing changes until...

...we stop our military-industrial-complex-domination.

Thats what our entire society has been built around. The promotion of, and the forgetting of its consequence.

Social democracy, or democratic socialism, as Bernie Sanders refers to it, is a great idea. Healthcare, education, infrastructure, all nationalised.

The problem is, right now, we have something like 250 million people who have been indoctrinated, aka 'brainwashed', against it.

Stupid is as stupid does. Right now the social inertia is set on self-destruction rather than self-preservation.

Hell, I dunno.

[PDJane]

2. More emphasis on social justice,

And a general mistrust of unbridled capitalism. There is also an emphasis on integrating those with disabilities into the mainstream. For instance, disabled children are integrated into daycare and school classes, traffic lights make sounds to let the blind know that the light has changed and it's safe to walk, there are supports for deaf or blind students, transit has elevators and escalators and people movers, etc.

Taxation is not a dirty word, education tends to be more affordable, health care is considered a right. There is a concept of the good of the commons. There is a continuing effort to improve the way we treat the planet.

[Joz]

4. Which one are you saying

has more emphasis on social justice? Social democracy?

[PDJane]

6. Sorry, yes.

Social democracies have an emphasis on social justice. That is the difference between the US "left" and everyone else's "centre."

[shotten99]

3. American liberalism is watered down in comparison

I've lived in Europe for the last 10 years so I'll answer the best I can from experience.

Comparing Obama or the Democrats to social democrats here is a joke.
By the standards here, this is a contest between a center and far right party.

I live in Croatia now, which is 95%+ Catholic and is extremely conservative by European standards. This many not be a perfect example as they're undergoing transition and privatization in many sectors.

No one talks about abortion.
No one demonstrates in front of the public hospitals which performs abortion and which is even covered by our national health insurance in many cases.

Sick leave is off the charts here. Maternity leave (which INCLUDES all 9 months of pregnancy and 12 months after delivery) is paid.

Public transportation is subsidized, the government and is readily available everywhere.

Recycling is encouraged and there are publicly owned recycling bins everywhere..on nearly every street corner.

Our pension is privatized! It's on the stock market much as the Republicans are suggesting.
It's ok so far. I don't know what I really think of it.

On the bad side, the infrastructure in hospitals is dated. The national health insurance office is a disaster. You do wait in line forever with them and they are NOT helpful. Taxes are really high here. 22% sales tax. On the other side, Zagreb is well over a million people and you're safe at any time or place.

[Aqaba]

5. Think of this...

...

What would happen if the most powerful nation on the planet, decided "Hey, we need to take care of the people in our country."

Socialized medicine, transportation, infrastructure. Subtract what is necessary from the war machine.

Federally mandated 30 vacation days, 2 weeks sick leave (with utmost flexibility). Real maternity leave.

The US is not Croatia. Right now the US is the most powerful economic and military force on the planet, that has devoted itself to anything but its own people. Imagine if it devoted itself to its citizenry.