The Progressive Values Scale: Assessing the Ideological Schism on the Left

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Political Psychology
• Ideological Studies

Background:

• Progressivism is emerging as a distinct force within left-wing political thought, challenging traditional liberalism.
• Understanding the unique values that define progressivism is crucial for ideological and political analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a reliable measure, the Progressive Values Scale (PVS), to characterize distinctly progressive values.
• To explore the psychological and value-based individual differences associated with a progressive worldview.
• To differentiate progressivism from traditional liberalism and left-wing authoritarianism.

Main Methods:

• Four studies were conducted involving left-wing participants evaluating political issues.
• Factor analysis was used to develop and confirm the structure of the Progressive Values Scale (PVS).
• The PVS was validated against personality measures, values, and prototypical face generation tasks, and compared with authoritarianism scales.

Main Results:

• A four-factor structure for progressive values was identified and confirmed across studies.
• The Progressive Values Scale (PVS) successfully differentiated progressive individuals from traditional liberals.
• The PVS proved to be a better predictor of progressive political preferences and social judgments than authoritarianism measures.

Conclusions:

• The Progressive Values Scale (PVS) offers a validated instrument for measuring a distinct progressive ideological orientation.
• Progressivism encompasses a unique set of values separate from traditional liberalism and authoritarian tendencies.
• The PVS aids in understanding the psychological underpinnings and political implications of progressive ideology.