Liberal Ideology Research Articles

Основные элементы социального проекта в идеологии либерализма: эгоизм, антагонизм, laissez-faire, прогресс и невидимая рука

The article examines the ways of interpreting social processes in the minds of modern people. Analyzing existing interpretations of current events is crucial for developing realistic responses to the challenges of modernity, particularly in the face of global threats. The Enlightenment-era concepts, emphasizing individualistic reason, sensualism, and the rejection of prejudice, play a pivotal role. They formed the core of the currently prevailing liberal ideology. Central to this ideology are conceptions of a naturally correct social structure, collectively constituting the early modern European social project. The main elements of this program are five principles that are closely interconnected. Firstly, this is egoism, inextricably linked with amoralism. Then – rivalry, designated by Kant as “antagonism”. The third principle is laissez-faire, a policy of non-interference in the economy by the state, while the latter is recognized as necessary as a tool for ensuring “rights”. The fourth point is progress, as the confidence that economic growth will create conditions for solving any existing problems in the future. The fifth and most important principle is reliance on the “invisible hand”, which is called upon to guarantee the functioning of the entire system as a whole as a result of omnipotent self-regulation, faith in which is transformed into a quasi-religion.

Relevance of state-building in the 2020s and the case of Africa

The study examines the relevance of state-building in the 2020s within the framework of International Relations (IR) theories, with a focus on the Liberal World Order (LWO). Rooted in liberal ideology, the theory of state-building asserts that adherence to universally accepted norms and regulations by sovereign states best achieves global security. We explore the concept of ‘offensive liberalism’, emphasising the proactive role of stable states in enforcing these norms in regions where state capacity is lacking. The paper revisits the literature on state-building and the international system, noting a decline in scholarly focus over the past fifteen years. However, contemporary conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have brought state-building back to the forefront of global political discourse. The study underscores the importance of state-building in maintaining the stability and security of the LWO and emphasises the need for comprehensive reconstruction efforts in war-torn regions. It argues for the continued relevance of state-building in maintaining the LWO, particularly in regions facing instability. It calls for flexible, context-aware strategies that prioritise local engagement and regional cooperation to address Africa’s unique socio-political landscape’s challenges and opportunities.

Identity development, well-being, and political ideology affect emerging adults’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explored how emerging adults processed the COVID-19 pandemic based on their identity, mental well-being, and political ideology. Participants (N = 231; Mage = 20.3; SD = 1.36) completed an online survey with five ordered measures: Dimensions of Identity Development Scale, pandemic processing narratives, pandemic experience questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-8, and political ideology and demographic questionnaire. Analyses revealed that individuals with poorer mental well-being and/or more liberal political ideology self-reported more negative effects of the pandemic on their lives. Yet, aspects of emerging adults’ identity development were associated with positive interpretation of experiences during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Greater ‘exploration in breadth’ and ‘identification with commitment’ positively predicted redemptive arcs (finding the positive) in narratives about the pandemic. Finally, political ideology was an important factor in emerging adults’ experience of the pandemic. Notably, conservative participants self-reported better mental well-being, fewer negative effects of the pandemic, and higher levels of identity commitment. Yet, conservative participants with high levels of ‘commitment making’ were less likely to find the positive when writing about negative events. Whereas, greater ‘commitment making’ reduced the likelihood of redemptive arcs when writing about a negative event, but only for those with a conservative political ideology. Together these results suggest that aspects of identity development may be protective when emerging adults face challenges and individual factors (e.g., well-being and political ideology) can also exert effects on emerging adults’ ability to navigate global and political crises.

SPIRITUAL HYBRIDITY IN ANA CASTILLO'S FEMALE CHARACTERS: A STUDY OF SO FAR FROM GOD AND THE MIXQUIAHUALA LETTERS

This paper explores the spiritual hybridity in Ana Castillo's novels "So Far From God" and "The Mixquiahuala Letters," focusing on the unique spiritual journeys of Mexican-American women. Castillo's storytelling delves into the complexities of spiritual identities, blending Catholicism with indigenous beliefs, curanderismo, and feminist ideologies. The paper examines how Castillo's female characters navigate the intersection of these diverse belief systems, challenging the traditional patriarchal structures within the Chicano community and the Catholic Church. Highlighting the criticism of the Catholic Church by Chicana activists, the paper discusses how Castillo's characters retain their Catholic faith while becoming politically conscious feminists. This synthesis challenges the binary view of being either a feminist or a Catholic, emphasizing the coexistence of feminist perspectives with traditional beliefs. In "So Far From God," Castillo portrays characters like Sofi, Esperanza, and Caridad, who embody spiritual syncretism as resistance, empowerment, and healing. This blend of traditions offers resilience against societal norms and historical wounds. Similarly, "The Mixquiahuala Letters" reveals the intertwined nature of feminism and spirituality through the correspondence between Teresa and Alicia, where their feminist spirituality acts as both a personal empowerment tool and a means of political resistance. The paper concludes that Castillo's portrayal of spiritual hybridity in these novels is central to the self-discovery, assertion, and communal union of her female characters. Their spirituality, a mix of endurance, survival, and empowerment, challenges stereotypes and patriarchal assumptions in Chicano communities. Castillo's narrative underscores the importance of spiritual hybridity in cultural and political resistance, offering a transformative perspective on the lives and struggles of Mexican-American women.

Либералы и государство в Италии: либеральный реформизм Джованни Джолитти и его критики

The article examines the strategy of liberal reformism in Italy in the late 19th – early 20th centuries and its critique by representatives of economic liberalism (“pure” liberals). The clash of two visions of liberal policy reflected the complication of the transformation of liberalism in response to expansion of state interference and the emergence of the mass politics. The peculiarities of the transformation of liberalism in Italy during the period were caused by the nature of the challenges. The country faced the tasks of state-building after the unification, bridging the development gap between the north and the south, carrying out industrialization. Protectionist and dirigiste policies were the responses to this. The challenges were further intensified with Italy’s entry into the First World War and the post-war social and political teurmoil that lead to the establishment of the Mussolini regime.At the same time, Italy had a lasting tradition of liberal economic thought, and Italian liberals comprised a prominent and influential school of economic thought. State interference could not but cause their repudiation. However, their close involvement into the country’s elite made them to modify the postulates of classical economic liberalism of the mid-19th century to be able to deliver feasible policy proposals. This article focuses on the political program of the outstanding Italian politician Giovanni Giolitti. It became one of the routes of transforming classical liberalism of the mid-19th century. Following the introduction, the second section of the article examines the position of liberal ideology in Italy in the context of the problems that arose in the context of industrialization of a backward and divided economy. Giolitti’s liberal reformism became a strategy for a pragmatic response to emerging challenges. The main features of this strategy and its criticism by ‘pure’ liberals are examined in the third section of the article. Brief conclusions are presented in the conclusion.

“Platformed post-feminist negotiation:” decoding gender politics in Chinese female-orientated love simulation games

ABSTRACT Adopting a walkthrough of the game application, participant observation of online fan communities, and a narrative analysis of storylines, this study seeks to understand how local female-orientated love simulation games re-calibrate Western feminist ideologies with/through constructions of romantic love. This study argues that with the development and backlash of feminist ideologies and neo-liberal economic restructuring in post-socialist China, female-oriented love simulation games now present what I coin “Platformed Post-Feminist Negotiation” (hereafter PPN). First, the PRP transplants Western post-feminism to veil the latent and toxic consumerism with the rhetoric of women’s empowerment. Second, the PPN inherits Chinese feminism’s dynamic negotiation with Confucian ideals and the conservative state ideology. While compromising with dominant ideologies to escape from China’s stringent digital censorship, game developers have aligned with players to carry out micro, covert, and indirect resistance to protecting female sexual freedom. Third, the PPN refers to how digital games are platformed as technical tools to manufacture a variant post-feminism that can be defined as empowering women, ignoring structural gender inequalities, and negotiating with state censorship. This study contributes to Chinese digital games’ post-feminist narrative patterns and how contemporary post-feminism appropriates technological affordances in an increasingly platformed society.

The Nature of Gender Mainstreaming Policies in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya

This study examines the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies at various levels of public administration in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya. It explores the integration of global conceptions, national policymaking, local self-governance, and feminist ideology in achieving gender equality. The research addresses the debate on the capacity of local versus national governments to implement gender equality initiatives. Feminist Theory guided this research. Using a comparative evaluative study design, the study investigates why these policies have not effectively increased women’s political participation. The target population comprised of elected leaders, civil society and the general public of Nakuru and Narok Counties. Stratified random sampling was employed to derive a sample of 335 respondents comprising of 92 elected leaders, 22 civil society members and 221 members of the general public. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, involving key informants and community members. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that there was no good familiarity with gender mainstreaming by 135(40.3%). Most of those unfamiliar with gender mainstreaming were from Narok, 68 (50.7%) followed by Nakuru 67(33.3%). Similarly, research showed that a significant portion of respondents in both counties agreed to their awareness of equality and equity, with 32.8% (66) in Nakuru and 28.4% (38) in Narok. This suggests that many people in both Counties recognize the importance of these concepts. The study concludes that the government has significantly shaped these policies, which have advanced gender equality in various ways. However, challenges remain, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, cultural shifts, and targeted support programs. The research recommended that promoting gender-friendly political cultures, challenging patriarchal norms, and providing support and training are essential for empowering women to take on leadership roles and contribute to the political process. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving gender parity in politics and ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making.

Interaction Between Gender and Space: A Study on the Genealogy of Feminist Architecture

The exploration and advancement of feminism are vital for addressing critical issues such as social progress, equitable education, and healthcare access. This paper comprehensively examines the feminist movement’s impact on architecture over the past century, identifying key trends and significant areas to establish an academic foundation for feminist architecture. A literature review on feminism in urban planning, architecture, landscape design, and urban safety highlights the current research focus on feminist architectural development. Furthermore, this paper traces the evolution of feminist architecture through both purpose-driven and process-oriented approaches, exploring the interplay between feminist and modern architectural practices. It specifically examines the development of feminist architecture within the Chinese context from two perspectives: the influence of feminist thought on architecture and the evolution of gendered spaces within the “Residence and Courtyard” model. By comparing the internal logic of feminist architectural development in China and the West, this study investigates how geopolitical culture and regional differences shape the future trajectory of this field. Unlike traditional feminist architectural research, which often emphasizes women’s practices within specific feminist ideologies or focuses on visual culture and psychological interpretations of gendered spaces, this paper redefines the scope of feminist architectural studies through a comparative analysis of historical and contemporary contexts, and Eastern and Western perspectives, employing a systematic genealogical approach.

A Comparative Study of the Translated Arabic Versions of the Novel ‘To the Lighthouse’ under Feminist Translation Theory

This paper, A Comparative Study of the Translated Arabic Versions of the Novel to the Lighthouse under Feminist Translation Theory, examines the influence of feminist translation theory on the interpretation of Virginia Woolf’s iconic novel. It focuses on two Arabic translations, both completed by female translators, to investigate how gender, cultural context, and personal experiences shape the depiction of Woolf’s female characters and the feminist themes central to her work. The study delves into the translators’ individual backgrounds and feminist ideologies, exploring how their perspectives and the sociocultural dynamics of the Arab world influence translation decisions. By analyzing shifts in language, tone, and narrative emphasis, it reveals how these translations navigate the challenges of preserving Woolf’s feminist voice while resonating within the framework of Arabic literary traditions. The paper also investigates the interplay between power relations, societal norms, and translation strategies, highlighting the translators’ efforts to balance fidelity to the original text with cultural relevance. It emphasizes the complexities involved in translating feminist viewpoints into a linguistic and cultural context where gender discourse often intersects with deeply rooted societal structures. Through this lens, the study underscores the transformative potential of feminist translation theory in reinterpreting literature, challenging patriarchal narratives, and enriching cross-cultural dialogue. By bridging feminist theory and translation studies, this research contributes valuable insights into the evolving role of gender in literary interpretation and cross-cultural communication.

From Globalization to Isolation: Exposure to the 2008 Financial Crisis and Three Dimensions of Liberal Attitudes in a Swedish Twin Design

Abstract This study investigates the link between non-liberal attitudes and adverse exposure to market disturbances during the 2008 global financial crisis, drawing from the premise that anti-liberal sentiments among Western voters stem from economic distress. We delve into three facets of liberal ideology in a Swedish sample: economic liberalism, liberal multiculturalism and liberal internationalism. Using variation in crisis exposure within identical twin pairs, comprehensive longitudinal economic data and detailed survey responses, we find no significant shift in economic or multicultural liberal attitudes with different crisis exposures. However, exposure to increased unemployment risk significantly lowered support for liberal internationalism, increasing scepticism towards global governance and multilateral cooperation.

Face to Face in Freedom: Beauvoirian Ambiguity in Sophocles’ Antigone

Abstract In my examination of Sophocles’ Antigone, I use Beauvoir’s existential philosophy as a lens and hermeneutic model and apply her language and terms—immanence, transcendence, and ambiguity—to the original ancient text to understand the gendered metaphors of the play and to reveal an area of oversight in her superficial treatment of the tragedy. Taking this theoretical approach, I use “feminist” or “existentialist” Beauvoir (The ethics of ambiguity, The second sex) against herself, that is, her interpretation of the Antigone in “Moral idealism and political realism,” to show how existentialist freedom is achieved in the tragedy. In my reading, I cast Antigone as a figure of ambiguity, situated in an oppressive context, and I argue that she creates her own project and strives towards freedom, in the Beauvoirian sense. I also extend the subjectivity of ambiguity to Ismene and illustrate the course of her own existential freedom to portray the reversibility of the transcendence/immanence polarity in these two figures and, ultimately, to suggest that the sisters are intertwined. Inscribing my reading in a tradition of feminist interpretations surrounding the Antigone, I advance a new reading that finds in the play a feminist political theory of existentialism, inclusive of the sororal pair.

Perceptions of discriminatory decisions of artificial intelligence: Unpacking the role of individual characteristics

This study investigates how personal differences (digital self-efficacy, technical knowledge, belief in equality, political ideology) and demographic factors (age, education, and income) are associated with perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) outcomes exhibiting gender and racial bias and with general attitudes toward AI. Analyses of a large-scale experiment dataset (N = 1,206) indicate that digital self-efficacy and technical knowledge are positively associated with attitudes toward AI, while liberal ideologies are negatively associated with outcome trust, higher negative emotion, and greater skepticism. Furthermore, age and income are closely connected to cognitive gaps in understanding discriminatory AI outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of promoting digital literacy skills and enhancing digital self-efficacy to maintain trust in AI and beliefs in AI usefulness and safety. The findings also suggest that the disparities in understanding problematic AI outcomes may be aligned with economic inequalities and generational gaps in society. Overall, this study sheds light on the socio-technological system in which complex interactions occur between social hierarchies, divisions, and machines that reflect and exacerbate the disparities.

The history of the development of the ideas of the legal and social state and the practice of their implementation in foreign countries

The object of the study is public relations related to the formation and implementation of ideas of legal and social statehood. The subject of the research is the relations in the field of formation of the concepts of the legal and social state in the political and legal thought of the countries of Europe, America and Asia. The authors explore the issues of legislative consolidation of the principles of the legal and social state abroad. Special attention is paid to the specifics of the implementation of these concepts in various legal families. The problematic issues of the implementation of the principles of the rule of law are investigated. Attention is paid to the economic basis of the state as a necessary condition and prerequisite for the formation of a social state. The subject of the study is the influence of ideology on the practice of implementing social policy of the state. The interrelation of the legal and social state is substantiated. The research methodology is determined by the object and subject of the study. The key methods used are comparative methods: comparative legal, comparative historical; logical methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction; as well as the formal legal method, which was used to analyze normative legal acts. The conducted research of the ideas of legal and social statehood and the practice of their implementation in various countries has allowed us to state that despite the presence of common features and the identification of common signs of these concepts, the implementation of these progressive views in real state-building faces significant difficulties. This is due to the presence of various legal systems, dominant ideologies, the degree of economic development and the social structure of society. The authors come to the conclusion that liberal ideology hinders the implementation of the concept of a social state, since by providing maximum economic freedom, the state fairly relieves itself of many social obligations. At the same time, in the countries of socialist law, the most favorable conditions are created for the practical implementation of the concept of a social state. The novelty of the conducted research also consists in substantiating the conclusion that the principles of legal statehood are fully implemented in countries with European legal systems. While in States with religious legal systems, it is difficult to consolidate the signs of a rule of law state.

Feminism, Capitalism, Death

This piece works as a critique of neoliberal feminist ideology through an analysis of Anna Melyikan’s 2007 film Mermaid. It begins with a close reading of several scenes in the film and how they operate as a criticism or representation of neoliberal post-Soviet existence. Alissa, the protagonist, is subjected to a series of events which shape her life as a post-Soviet woman—these events ultimately lead to her untimely death. The theme of labour, financially, domestically, and sexually, defines Alissa’s life in Moscow. I use a sociological study on Russian post-Soviet self-help literature written for women as the ideological lens to study the film, drawing connections between the events of the film and the real contents of several self-help books, which are analysed and critiqued by the article’s author. The film visualises a patriarchal double-bind where post-Soviet women are expected to be both patriarchally subordinate and independent economic subjects. This paradox is present in the self-help literature. The essay forges a connection between real-life feminist critique and film criticism, exploring how film criticism can be a vehicle for feminist thought. The essay also interrogates ideas of what a feminist text is and how the creation of a feminist text is an act of discursive meaning-making, a relationship to the viewer/reader as opposed to a definitive quality which takes shape during the text’s creation.

Women Friendship in the novel Sula

This article examines the historical and cultural experiences of African-American women through the lens of Black feminist thought, with a focus on Toni Morrison's novel Sula (1973). The research question guiding this study is: How does Sula reflect the complexities of friendship, autonomy, and the quest for empowerment among Black women within a racist and patriarchal society? The study employs a literary analysis method, drawing on the historical context of Black American women’s oppression and the emergence of Black feminist ideology as theorized by scholars like Patricia Hill Collins. Findings reveal that Sula intricately portrays the deep bond between the two protagonists, Sula Peace and Nel Wright, against the backdrop of systemic oppression. Their friendship symbolizes the broader struggle of African-American women to navigate personal autonomy within a community shaped by the legacy of slavery. Sula’s defiance of societal norms, particularly in her relationships with men, highlights the challenges Black women face in seeking empowerment and identity in a society that marginalizes them. This study concludes that Sula not only captures the historical context of Black women's experiences but also serves as a significant contribution to the discourse on Black feminist thought, emphasizing the importance of friendship, autonomy, and resistance in the fight for liberation.

Dirty lives, wild birds, clean places, and exceptional health: a critical discourse analysis of Danish and Norwegian news coverage of avian influenza risk

Avian influenza outbreaks are recurring worldwide. In Norwegian and Danish media, fluctuating attention has been paid to these outbreaks and the coverage that exists largely portrays the situation as a distant problem, limited to so-called non-Western countries. In the present article, we have analysed news articles from two Norwegian and two Danish newspapers published in 2006/2008, 2017 and 2021 using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). By analysing linguistic articulations of risk and blame for avian influenza in Norwegian and Danish media, we explore how this portrayal creates discursive distinctions between risk and blame ‘here’ in Europe and ‘there’ in Asian and African countries. We discuss these discursive contrasts in light of Bergamo’s theory of ideology of health progress and Douglas’ understanding of hygiene as cultural ideas. Our analysis reveals that dominant portrayals of avian influenza in the news media construct particular discourses of blame, risk, and responsibility for disease emergence and spread that are ideologically underpinned by an understanding of disease management, meat production, and animal health in Norway and Denmark as exceptional. We argue that this may have implications for perceptions of places at risk of emergence and spread of viruses and the nature of responses for pandemic preparedness and disease eradication.

“Exploring Gender and Identity in 20th-Century Literature: Feminist Perspectives in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber”

This research investigates the themes of identity and gender in twentieth-century literature, with an emphasis on the role of feminism in Doris Lessing's The Brilliant Notebook )1962) and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber (1979). The research aims to examine how the two writers question and dismantle conventional gender roles, featuring the impact of women's activist ideas in molding female identity inside the setting of the sociopolitical changes of the 20th 100 years. The objectives are to examine the women's perspectives introduced in every text, research the depiction of female independence, and investigate the crossing point of gender, power, and personality in the account structures. The methodology is a relative scholarly examination, using women's activist and gender theory structures to examine the texts. Essential sources, including the two books, are broken down closely by optional academic deals with women's activist scholarly analysis. Key subjects like female freedom, the disruption of man-centric designs, and the rehash of personality are investigated through character development, narrative techniques, and imagery. The outcomes show that both Lessing and Carter utilize their attempts to challenge regulating gender builds, with Lessing's The Brilliant Notebook focusing on the fracture and remaking of female identity, and Carter's The Bloody Chamber utilizing Gothic and fantasy themes to scrutinize conventional gender roles. The conversation underlines how each creator adds to women's activist artistic talk by offering complex, nuanced depictions of ladies who explore, oppose, and eventually reshape the jobs forced upon them by man-centric culture. This study concluded that Lessing and Carter, through their specific strategies, offer tough women's dissident assessments that continue to reverberate in contemporary discussions on gender and identity. Their novels feature the phenomenal ability of writing to test gender principles and advance feminist ideologies. Keywords: Gender, Identity, Feminism, The Golden Notebook, The Bloody Chamber

Ideological narratives of liberalism and socialism

Objective: to compare the ideologies of liberalism and socialism in economic science in the context of the current stage of their evolution. For this purpose, the paper identifies the goals of these ideologies by analyzing the scientific narratives of economists. The study is also aimed at identifying similarities and differences between the ideologies of liberalism andsocialism. Methods: qualitative methods, narrative analysis, review of scientific literature. Results: the comparison of common interpretations of the “ideology” concept in various branches of economics and in other social sciences shows differences in terminology. The comparison of the liberalism and socialism ideologies in economics shows the difference between the declared goals of liberals and socialists. The goal of liberalism ideology is human freedom,and of socialism ideology – distribution equality. The ideologies considered are internally heterogeneous and have evolved over time. At present, liberalism is continued in neoliberalism, which aims at increasing the population wealth rather than freedom as an end in itself. There are non-egalitarian interpretations of the essence of socialism, which reduce it to the economy governmentalization. There are also debates about the advantages of the market over centralized planning in socialism. The extremes of the ideologies of liberalism and socialism can be clearly distinguished, but in practice, many studies take an intermediate position. A common feature of liberalism and socialism is their modernist character and criticism of archaic economic institutions designed to redistribute wealth from the poor to the rich. Scientific novelty: it consists in identifying the economic goals proclaimed by the ideologies of liberalism and socialism, based on the analysis of the relevant theoretical narratives in scientific literature. Practical significance: it is determined by the need to understand the factors influencing the economists’ worldview. Studying the ideologies of liberalism and socialism is useful for understanding the intent of the authors of recommendations for improving the institutions of the modern Russian economic order.

Theoretical and Practical Issues of Governing Elite Functioning in Russia

Based on a comparative analysis of the study of the Russian elite we consider current theoretical and practical issues related to the conditions and processes characterizing the activities of the elite. The study subjects are: clarifying the concept of “elite”, assessing the instability of the state and the presence of elements of the structural transformation of elites; revealing the features of the formation of Soviet and post-Soviet elites, the mechanisms of their renewal based on plutocracy, professionalization, consolidation of a synthetic type of mobility, readiness for change. The research focuses on understanding the elite as a social community with signs of mentality, worldview, and ideology. We reveal the role of conservative and liberal ideologies in the formation of state ideology and its significance for the Russian elite in the context of confrontation with the collective West.

Is Progressive Ideology on the Test? Education and Intelligence in the Development of Nontraditional Attitudes.

Enhanced educational attainment and intelligence are consistent correlates of socially liberal, nontraditional attitudes. However, it is unclear how such associations unfold developmentally. Here, we propose an interaction effect between college exposure and intelligence on the development of nontraditional attitudes. Our rationale builds from the fact that a desired learning outcome of college education is to challenge traditional dogma and encourage diverse perspectives. Those with higher intellectual ability should be particularly adept at understanding the intended lesson and to show attendant increases in nontraditional attitudes. Data on social attitudes were obtained in a large community sample of youth at age 17 and remeasured at two points in early adulthood (N = 2,769). Intelligence was linked with growth in nontraditional attitudes among those with higher educational attainment; no such association was observed among individuals who never attended college. Environments that encourage critical inquiry may thus steer brighter individuals toward the adoption of progressive worldviews.