Paternalism

Define paternalism

Paternalism 

Paternalism in conservatism refers to the belief that those in positions of authority have a moral responsibility to care for the needs of others, especially those less able to look after themselves. It is rooted in a hierarchical and duty-bound view of society, where power is not merely a right but an obligation exercised for the common good. Conservatives typically see inequality as natural and inevitable, but not as justification for neglect. Rather, paternalism ensures that social cohesion is maintained through mutual obligations between the powerful and the vulnerable. This view reflects the broader conservative understanding of human imperfection, particularly the belief that people are psychologically dependent, morally fallible, and incapable of managing their lives in isolation.

Why do conservatives see inequality as natural and inevitable?

Principles of organic society and human imperfection - humans are naturally imperfect, humans form a reliance naturally on a form of order within society which creates a natural inequality but this is deemed as necessary for society to function

The only way to differentiate within the class system is through inequality being a reality of a hierarchical system

What does this mean for society?

• Upper class has an obligation to help the lower class and support the working class, to mitigate against the excessive negative consequences of inequality -

• prevent social chaos -> conservatives ultimatley want to maintain this hiearchy

• Premise of human imperfection means there are divergences on how perfect humans are, upper classes are LESS imperfect than those in the lower class, they have a right and duty to help them

Agreement over paternalism as a duty arising from hierarchy 

Agreement over authority and paternalism as safeguards against human imperfection 

Disagreement over individualism and paternalism as coercion 

Disagreement over the scope and purpose of paternalistic authority