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> It stems from leftist/socialist politics on the continent - the authorities sees their role not only as a policeman/arbiter of people's affairs, but also as

• badpun 4y ago
  I mean, it sounds very nice in theory, and is nice to some degree in practice (having free, decent university-level education, up to masters and phd level, is amazing), but, underneath it, there are strong classist assumptions. The authorities must assume that they're the smarter/better than regular people and they know better what is good for people that the people know themselves. They're basically modern neo-aristocracy, and, in for example Poland, they are often explicitly descendants of the land owner families of old (when nobles' land was confiscated in the XIX century, the noble/land owner class transformed into leftist inteligensia class, whose one of highest ideals was bringing englightenment to the unwashed masses). In UK, it is even more obvious, as the landlords' lands were never confiscated and the aristocrats are still there, playing huge role in politics. All in all, completely different history and dynamics than in the US, with a completely different result.
  • hikingsimulator 4y ago
    This idea of remaining aristocraties/bourgeoisies isn't solely a Continental Europe thing, all things being considered. The US also has its dynasties in politics, culture/media, and industry -- Clintons, Rockefellers, Kennedys, etc. Wherever you are, wealth and power accrue and are inherited.