Conservatives on Inequality

How do Conservatives explain inequality?

• Innate Difference - People naturally gravitate towards social roles compatible with their strengths.

• Capitalism - Resources are focused away from traditional communities and into private hands.

• Cultural Differences - Culture is a key determinant of individual behaviour.

• Functionality - Hierarchy is functional in increasing goals of increased productivity and social order. Without clear lines of authority, individuals become isolated and confused about their role.

Why do Conservatives defend inequality?

• Political Stability - Without the restraints on traditional sources of authority, citizens become increasingly dissatisfied with their social status, and the political process becomes a struggle for dominance.

• Social Stability - The inequality of the natural order arouses little conflict, with individuals aware of and proud of their place.

• Economic Growth - Hierarchy in the workplace is essential for growth.

• Preservation of Culture - Concentrations of wealth are essential for expensive cultural institutions, such as museums or orchestras. Attempts to reduce inequality create ‘mass societies’ with a homogenised culture.

How do Conservatives respond to poverty?

• Community Revitalisation - Capitalism has bred individualism, materialism, and secularism, leading to fewer social networks. Communities care for the disadvantaged, but have been undermined.

• Welfare Reform - Welfare programmes must exist, but should not be too generous as to create a dependency culture.

• Tracking - The expectations of the poor must be lowered to reduce resentment.

• Eugenics - Poverty can be reduced by preventing the poor from reproducing and passing inferior genes to future generations. Forced sterilisation and euthanasia are means of achieving this.

Quandale

Dingle