The Evolution of Liberalism Beyond Politics

Liberalism has transitioned from being viewed solely as a political ideology to a broader cultural framework that permeates various aspects of daily life. Instead of being confined to traditional political discourse, it has become the 'water that we swim in,' influencing our interactions on platforms like Netflix and shaping social norms in parenting and relationships. Alex Lefebvre argues that many contemporary liberals do not fully grasp this expanded meaning, often limiting their understanding to institutional politics rather than recognizing the more pervasive liberal values at play in society. This cultural saturation of liberalism suggests that it is crucial to revisit and redefine its principles to foster a more open and tolerant society.