social democracy

American  

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.

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social democracy British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• social democratic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of social democracy

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does social-democracy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• social democracy vs. democratic socialism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

social democracy

Storytelling, metaphors, and allowing more voices to share their subjective and personal experiences of power and society are necessary tools for creating real social democracy.

From Salon ● Feb. 17, 2023

We have been very influenced by American culture, and at the same time we have this strong belief in the state and social democracy and a strong working class.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2022

This would grab attention in any country, but especially in Sweden, a country that is known for egalitarian social democracy.

From New York Times ● Sep. 14, 2022

The triumph of social democracy in the 20th-century West has imbued Piketty with the confidence that humanity can transition to a new stage of equality.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 17, 2022

Humanitarianism, constructive reform, social democracy became the watchwords of the day.

From The Next Step in Religion An Essay toward the Coming Renaissance by Roy Wood Sellars