Types of Conservatives

Traditional conservatism

A political ideology that emerged in the late 1700s in response to the French Revolution and Enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of tradition, organic society, and gradual reform.

Edmund Burke

The most well-known traditional conservative thinker, known for his defense of traditional values and skepticism of rapid change.

Organic society

The concept that society is made up of complex relationships between its parts, working together to create a harmonious and functional community.

Hierarchy

A belief in traditional social order where people have different roles and statuses, suggesting that not all individuals are equal in their societal contributions.

Gradual reform

The principle that change should be introduced slowly and methodically to maintain social cohesion and avoid disruption.

Pragmatism

An approach emphasizing the importance of practical experience over ideological or theoretical ideas, which can fail to account for real-world complexities.

Tradition

The wisdom of the past, often expressed through institutions like religion and the monarchy, which are viewed as essential for maintaining societal stability.

One Nation Conservatism

A variant of conservatism that emerged in the 1800s, focused on the responsibility of the government towards all citizens and addressing the challenges of capitalism.

Benjamin Disraeli

The founder of One Nation conservatism, advocating for social reforms and traditional institutions to unify society.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, which appealed to various social classes in the UK.

Social reform

Efforts aimed at improving society, especially by addressing issues arising from laissez-faire capitalism.

The New Right

A political movement that emerged in the 1970s, combining elements of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism, advocated by leaders such as Margaret Thatcher.

Thatcherism

The political approach of Margaret Thatcher, emphasizing free market policies, limited government intervention, and traditional values.

Neo-liberalism

An updated form of classical liberalism that advocates for minimal state intervention, individual freedom, and a free market economy.

Minimal state

The belief that government should intervene as little as possible in the economy, arguing that high taxation and nationalization create inefficiencies.

Individual freedom

The idea that individuals are rational and self-sufficient, and that excessive state welfare creates dependency and undermines autonomy.

Free market economics

An economic system based on supply and demand with little to no government intervention, believed to produce the best results.

Neo-conservatism

An updated form of traditional conservatism advocating for social order, tradition, and public morality.

Public morality

The belief in upholding traditional values and rejecting alternative lifestyles perceived as undermining societal cohesion.