New Left vs. Old Left

Attribute	New Left	Old Left
Time Period	1960s - present	Late 19th century - mid 20th century
Focus	Social justice, civil rights, anti-war movements	Class struggle, workers' rights, socialism
Methods	Non-violent protests, grassroots organizing	Revolution, class warfare
Key Figures	Tom Hayden, Angela Davis, Noam Chomsky	Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky
Political Ideology	Progressive, anti-authoritarian	Marxist, socialist

Origins

The Old Left emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the industrial revolution and the rise of capitalism. It was primarily focused on the struggles of the working class and sought to achieve social and economic equality through the establishment of labor unions and socialist political parties. The New Left, on the other hand, emerged in the 1960s as a response to the perceived failures of the Old Left in addressing issues such as civil rights, feminism, and the Vietnam War. It was characterized by a more diverse range of concerns and a greater emphasis on cultural and social change.

Goals

The Old Left's primary goal was to achieve economic equality through the redistribution of wealth and the establishment of a socialist society. It focused on issues such as workers' rights, income inequality, and the nationalization of key industries. The New Left, on the other hand, had a broader set of goals that included not only economic equality but also social justice, civil rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. It sought to challenge traditional power structures and promote a more inclusive and democratic society.

Methods

The Old Left primarily used traditional political methods such as labor strikes, protests, and the formation of political parties to achieve its goals. It also emphasized the importance of class solidarity and collective action. The New Left, on the other hand, adopted more radical and confrontational tactics such as civil disobedience, direct action, and countercultural movements. It sought to challenge the existing social order and create alternative forms of political and social organization.

Focus

The Old Left focused primarily on economic issues and the struggle between the working class and the capitalist class. It sought to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and exploitation in the workplace. The New Left, on the other hand, had a broader focus that included not only economic issues but also social and cultural issues such as racism, sexism, and imperialism. It sought to challenge all forms of oppression and discrimination in society.

Legacy

The Old Left had a significant impact on the labor movement and the development of social welfare programs in many countries. It also played a key role in the decolonization movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The New Left, on the other hand, had a lasting impact on social movements such as the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and the environmental movement. It also influenced the development of identity politics and postmodern theory.