Society, Social Policy and the Ideology of Reaganism

Authors

James Midgley, Louisiana State University

Abstract

The complex historical and ideological themes which formed the basis for Reaganism in the 1980s are based on economic individualism, traditionalism and authoritarian populism. By creating an ideological formation which appealed to a wide constituency, right-wing activists sought to reverse the centrist consensus liberalism of the New Deal. These ideas also informed the Reagan administration’s social policies and, although not implemented as intended, have had a major impact on the American welfare state.

Recommended Citation

Midgley, James (1992) "Society, Social Policy and the Ideology of Reaganism," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 19: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2008
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol19/iss1/3