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

Dr. King fought and died for racial equality and social democracy.

From Salon

In its history of dreamers versus big business, the Hollywood Bowl has strived, often with difficulty, to be a model of artistic and social democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

The relationships and skills formed and learned in those spaces will make successful collective action in service to social democracy and other positive social change much more likely.

From Salon

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

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