social democracy

noun

1. a political ideology advocating a gradual transition to socialism or a modified form of socialism by and under democratic political processes.
2. a system of government achieved in this way:

   Sweden’s social democracy.

3. Social Democracy. the principles and policies of any of certain Social Democratic parties, especially in Europe.

social democracy

noun

1. sometimes capital the beliefs, principles, practices, or programme of a Social Democratic Party or of social democrats

Derived Forms

• social democratic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of social democracy¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

(I'm counting social democracy--at least as currently practiced in Western Europe--as a flavor of market liberalism).

From The Daily Beast

They have  contributed a unique brand of civically minded, decent social democracy that added much to the national debate.

From The Daily Beast

His hope is, and has always been, to turn the country into a nation that looks more like a European social democracy.

From The Daily Beast

I will happily acknowledge that I don't embrace the left's effort to transform the United States into a social democracy.

From The Daily Beast

The attacks on national feeling, the protest against the war of 1870, Social democracy.

From Project Gutenberg

But they further realized that a political and social democracy must be based on an educated and intelligent working class.

From Project Gutenberg

Not even the new social democracy of Russia sufficed to inspire any noticeable resistance.

From Project Gutenberg

Prussian reaction would not be so strong if it were not for the bugbear of Social Democracy.

From Project Gutenberg

This excuse is an additional proof of the moral and political weakness of Social Democracy.

From Project Gutenberg