In politics we often come across the terms left wing and right wing, but what do they actually mean? Really, the terms simply relate to two sides in a debate, with those on one side referred to as ‘on the right’ and those on the left referred to as ‘on the left’. This goes back to the French Revolution, where those who sat to the right of the king wanted to conserve traditional ways, while those who sat on his left wanted to change the political system. The further to the right they sat, the less change they wanted, while those who sat on the far left wanted the most radical reforms. Therefore, the original meaning of left wing and right wing related to attitudes to political or cultural reform.
It is important to remember that parties tend to have the same goal, which is to make their country the best it can be. What they disagree about is how this goal should be achieved. Those on the left tend to see reform as essential in creating a fairer and better society. Those on the right feel that the current system works and that reforms might make things worse.
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