Is the distinction between left and right in politics still meaningful?

Good question.

The answer is that it is useful but perhaps not as profound as in the past.

Certainly the first point is that there is no absolute position here and what is considered left and right changes over time.

Certainly there has been a shift in British politics for instance with people thinking much more is to the right when in fact it is more in the centre and more to the left really than ever before.

The distinction is useful though as it can show different schools of thought, with those on the right emphasising liberty, low taxation, a smaller government and less state interference that leaves you alone and asserts more the identity of the individual and their rights.

Meanwhile the ground on the left is more concerned with state intervention and control where possible, high taxation, the provision of welfare and similar services, supporting the poor and generally emphasises more society as a whole and the identity of a group of people are something distinct from the individuals that make it up.

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