Ken Browne - Sociology for A2 AQA

Student Resources - Chapter 4

Internet Activity 4.1

Exploring left-wing and right-wing in the political spectrum

Left-wing and right-wing are terms that are commonly used in the study of politics, with views changing from left to right as you move along the political spectrum. Left-wing is often used to refer to ideas and organizations that are critical of existing ideas and arrangements, with right-wing referring to those favouring existing social arrangements and more traditional values.

Go to www.politicalcompass.org/index and do the following:

  1. Explain the origins of the terms left-wing and right-wing.
  2. Why does The Political Compass suggest these terms are too simple for contemporary politics? (If you don’t know some of the people referred to, do a Google search or use www.wikipedia.org.)
  3. Take the test (see left margin on the website) either alone or with someone you think you have similar political views to. See where you stand on the political spectrum, and write a short description of what your position means.
  4. Compare your analysis with others in your class, and discuss how far you consider the left-wing/right-wing political spectrum a useful way of classifying political ideas and political parties in contemporary society.

Multiple Choice Quiz 4

Click here to access the Multiple Choice Quiz for this Chapter.

Matching Exercise 4

Click here to access the Matching Exercise for this Chapter.

Worksheets

Click here to download the Worksheets on Power and Politics.

Internet links - Power and Politics