key themes of conservatism

the state

key agreements

• a key role of the state is to provide order and security

key disagreements

• NR supports libertarianism and a v minimal role for the state in the economy, contrasting w the view of ON in particular

• trads and ON believe the state should act in paternalistic, hierarchical manner, which strongly contrasts w the NR’s rejection of paternalism and hierarchy

• trads and ON strongly support the idea that the state should act based on pragmatism and tradition. strongly contrasts w NR which believes the state should be driven by ideological support for freedom

the economy

key agreements

• acceptance of a significant degree of inequality in the economy

• strong support for capitalism and property rights

key disagreements

• the NR believes in libertarianism and v limited state intervention in the economy, strongly rejecting ON conservativism’s belief in a paternalistic state in economic affairs

• trads and ON believe in hierarchy within the economy and society, which is strongly rejected by the NR

• the NR supports capitalism for v different reasons than ON and trads

  • NR driven by ideological support for freedom, while the others driven by pragmatism and tradition

society

key agreements

• acceptance of a significant degree on inequality in society

• all strands believe order, security and property rights are crucial to a stable society

key disagreements

• trads and ON believe in an organic society. NR rejects this and believe in an individualistic, atomistic society

• trads and ON believe in paternalism and hierarchy in society (though in diff ways), whilst the NR rejects this paternalism and hierarchy

• the NR’s view on society is driven by ideological support for freedom, whilst the view of traditional and ON conservatives are shaped by pragmatism and tradition

human nature

key agreements

• the state is needed to provide order and security. w/o it, human nature would lead to conflict

• the principle of human imperfection, which shapes conservative views on the state, economy and society

key disagreements

• trads and ON strongly believe in human imperfection. NR rejects this pessimistic interpretation of human nature, believing humans are rational and self interested

• trads and ON believe that paternalism, tradition and cohesive society are important to guiding human nature in the right direction. NR strongly rejects this, believing in individualism rather than localism and that intervention creates dependency

tensions within conservatism

human nature

traditional

• Trad conservatives take a sceptical view of human nature, drawing attention to the gap between aspiration and achievement while warning against the grand, utopian schemes of progressive politicians

• For them the horrors of supposedly idealistic movement (French and Russian revolution) aren't tragic accidents, they arise from a misreading and overestimation of human potential

one nation

• One nation conservatives view human nature as imperfect and flawed and are so sceptical of radical change

• Believe that individuals need the guidance of established institutions (an authority/the state) and a strong government to maintain order and stability

• Humans aren't perfectly rational and are prone to poor decisions

new right

• Take a more optimistic view, emphasising the possibilities of individuals w initiative and liberty

• Argue that the key to unlocking human potential lies in fostering a pro-capitalist environment where individual energies are unleashed

the state

traditional

• Defend a state where political power is wielded by those who are 'born to rule' 

• Believe the best states have a natural 'ruling class' reared according to the principles of duty and sacrifice and instilled w a sense of responsibility towards the governed

• Pragmatic about the extent of the state and are prepared to enlarge it in the name of social stability and 'one nation'

one nation

Paternalistic - they believe those in power have a duty to elevate the condition of the people (noblesse oblige)

Accepted some role for the state

• Neutral arbitrator to prevent chaos and anarchy

• Higher taxation and spending

• Some redistribution of income/wealth because the rich have some moral duty to the poor

• The 'welfare state' is a good safety net because it can prevent revolution and social unrest

• BUT the state shouldn't be too 'interfering' in individual lives

new right

• Wish to 'roll back the frontiers of the state' (outside areas like security and defence) so as to advance individual freedom and reverse the dependency culture

• Hostile to the principle of aristocratic rule - they fear that the ruling classes have too much stake in the status quo and therefore reluctant to admit the need for radical change by new right governments

society

traditional

• See society as a collection of small communities (little platoons), overseen by a hierarchical structure in which paternalist elites exercise their inherited power in the interests of the majority

• Such communities are considered organic, in the sense that they emerge in a natural and unplanned way, placing great importance on tradition and continuity

one nation

• Emphasises social cohesion across the nation and social unity

• The privileged have a paternalistic obligation to support the less fortunate (noblesse oblige)

new right

• Ambivalent about society's existence, drawing upon the libertarian belief that society is a mere collection of atomised individuals seeking self determination

• New right conservatives are more sceptical about paternalistic communities, preferring a society defined by those who have achieved, rather than inherited, power, status and property

• Society that is meritocratic rather than aristocratic

economy

traditional

• Sceptical about free market capitalism, fearful that its dynamic effects exacerbate inequality, threaten 'one nation' and fuel support for socialism

• As capitalism becomes more globalised, trad conservatives also fear that market forces promote a more cosmopolitan society that erodes national identity and national culture

• As a result trad conservatives have been prepared to countenance state intervention via Keynesian economics, higher taxation and high public spending on state welfare

one nation

• Sceptical about a capitalist free-market as they feel it will exacerbate inequality and threaten a one nation principle

new right

• Advocate for free market economies where state functions are privatised and deregulated, and where levels of taxation and state spending are significantly reduced