Difference Between Reform and Revolution
The concepts of reform
and revolution bring about the idea of social change and innovation. The key
difference between the two processes lies in the way in which goals are
achieved.
Reforms usually imply
that changes are made to the existing structure – mainly the government
structure – while revolution often entails the complete disruption and the
radical change of the status quo. Reform and revolution aim at changing
(generally improving) political and social conditions of groups of individuals.
For instance, during
the 18th century and the industrialization period in many parts of Europe,
reforms were made to improve workers’ conditions and workers’ rights – but
those changes did not entirely change the political structure of European
countries. Conversely, revolutions such as the famous French revolution of 1789
often lead to radical changes in the country’s power structure. In addition,
reforms usually have a positive connotation as change is achieved in a peaceful
way, whereas revolutions often entail a certain degree of violence.
What is a Reform?
The term “reform” is
used frequently by politicians, social groups and masses who wish to achieve
political and social changes by improving the status quo, but without
necessarily overthrowing the existing order. Reforms can take different
approaches to reach their goal, but generally envisage the modification of
existing laws, policies, practices and institutions, with such changes being
achieved through peaceful and constructive discussions and confrontations.
Promising reforms and changes is a key strategy of many politicians who wish to
gain more votes by addressing insecurities and complaints of unhappy masses.
The 18th century was
the key century of reforms and social changes all across Europe, but reforms
continue to happen all over the world, as governments and institutions try to
adapt to social changes and innovations. Every new government – in all parts of
the world – usually seeks to reform and improve existing policies, in order to
promote its perspectives and its ideals. For instance, in the United States,
during the entire electoral campaign and after having won the latest
Presidential elections, Donald Trump has vowed to reform, inter alia, the existing
health care system and immigration laws – thus gaining the support of citizens
tired of the existing order and policies. In the same way, in Italy and many
European countries, populist and right wing governments are obtaining great
support by promising to reform the current immigration policies and to
strengthen the individual countries’ role within the European Union.
What is a Revolution?
Revolution is an act of
resistance that results in the overthrow of the status quo, and especially of
the government, by force. Critics argue that delays in necessary reforms can
lead to revolutions, meaning that if governments do not manage to make the necessary
changes in a timely manner, tensions might escalate into violent revolutions.
For instance, in the 1780s, a number of reasons led to the French revolution.
Some of the key aspects that led to the emergence of the violent protests
include:
Social and economic
inequality;
Economic and political
mismanagement of King Louis XVI;
Growing national debt;
Agricultural failure
caused by environmental reasons; and
Emergence of new
political and social ideas.
This means that
revolutions are caused by a number of factors combined together that explode
into violent protests and that end up overthrowing the existing order.
Similarities between Reform and Revolution
Despite a number of key
differences between the two, reform and revolution have some aspects in common,
including:
Both processes bring
about change and innovation by modifying the existing order – even though
reforms entail a more peaceful approach while revolutions imply a violent
approach;
Both reform and
revolution are triggered by unhappy (or not entirely satisfied) masses that
look for change and economic, political and social improvements;
Reform and revolution
are rather different, but there is a fine line that separates the two, as
social or economic issues overlooked for too long by governments and
politicians can add up and escalate into violent protests, exploding into a
revolution; and
Both processes see the
involvement of large social groups, creating both social cohesion (within a
single group) and social fractures (among various groups).
What is the difference between Reform and Revolution?
Social and political
progress can be achieved in two ways: either through frequent reforms or
through rare radical changes. Political stillness and lack of changes lead to
unhappiness and discontent among masses, which inevitably demand for
improvements. Reforms and revolutions are the two ways in which those
improvements can be achieved, but they are quite different from each other.
Some of the key aspects that differentiate a reform from a revolution include:
Definition of Reform
and Revolution:
A reform aims at
improving the status quo by modifying laws, policies and practices, whereas a
revolution aims at completely overthrowing the status quo, eliminating the
existing order and reinstating a new and improved system;
Consequences from
Reform and Revolution
In the case of a
reform, change is brought about gradually, meaning that there is no drastic
disruption of the existing political system – thus allowing citizens to adapt
to the changes in an easier way and allowing all social groups to move forward
in a cohesive manner. Conversely, a revolution is a drastic and sudden change
that often has backlashes on the social groups that have to deal with the
legacy of violence; and
Reversibility of Reform
and Revolution
Reforms are reversible
whereas a revolution is not. For instance, various political parties and
politicians often overrule decisions and policies implemented by their
predecessors, underlying the reversibility of peaceful and progressive reforms.
Conversely, once the existing political, economic and social order has been
overthrown through a violent revolution, there is no way back and all changes
are permanent.
Reform vs Revolution:
Comparison Chart
Building on the
differences highlighted in the previous section, we can identify a number of
other aspects that differentiate a reform from a revolution.
Summary of Reform Vs. Revolution
All countries and
almost all governments are bound to undergo a process of change and improvement
to adapt to progress. Throughout history, various social groups have fought for
their rights and for better conditions, pushing for political change and
resorting to violent means when reforms failed to materialize.
The concept of reform
implies the modification of an existing entity – generally a government, a law
or a policy – in order to bring about progress and social, political and
economic change. Reforms are usually peaceful and gradual, and the changes they
bring about can often be reversed.
When governments fail
to enact the necessary reforms to meet popular demand and to promote justice
and equality, tensions can build and escalate rather quickly, to the point that
a failed reform can translate into a violent revolution.
When the status quo
becomes unbearable, a revolution becomes inevitable, and people resort to
violent means to achieve their goals. Revolutions employ drastic measures to
obtain a radical – and generally irreversible – change.
In addition, during a
revolution, countries often cease to comply with international regulations,
overlooking their duties and responsibilities towards their allies and
partners.
Once the revolution is
completed, the newly appointed government resumes relations with foreign
countries, sometimes renegotiating some treaties and covenants.
Conversely, during a
time of reform, governments may revise their role on the international scene,
renegotiating treaties (or parts of treaties) in order to improve the existing
conditions. But the country’s role on the international scene is not disrupted,
unless the modified policies oppose or contravene existing regulations and
alliances at international level.
Therefore, a reform
results in the modification of the existing order, both at a domestic and
international level, whereas a revolution results in the overthrow of the
existing government – often employing violent means – and in the modification
of the existing international balance.
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