CONSERVATISM - introduction

What is conservatism and the three strands?

• Conservatism is a political ideology emphasising tradition, order, and gradual change.

• The three major strands are:

  • Traditional conservatives

  • One Nation conservatives

  • New Right conservatives

    • neoliberal

    • neoconservative

Pragmatism

• Pragmatism simply means to change when necessary - decisions are based on practical experience and what works.

• Conservatives are evolutionary rather than revolutionary

Links:

• Traditional - deeply pragmatic, especially Burke’s belief in gradual institution change

• One Nation - supports gradual change to avoid social unrest

• New Right - rejects pragmatism in favour of strong ideological commitments (neoliberal economy)

Tradition

• Tradition simply means the accumulated wisdom of past generations and institutions that provide stability and identity.

• It is valued because it provides continuity and guidance in uncertain times.

Links:

• Traditional - strong emphasis on tradition of a source of authority

• One Nation - supports tradition as a unifying force that maintains social harmony

• New Right - values some tradition, but more open to economic change

Human Imperfection

• The belief that humans are naturally flawed and impeded in their capacity to reason:

  • Psychological: people crave order, stability, security

  • Moral: people are selfish and sinful

  • Intellectual: humans cant understand the grandeur of the world

Links:

• Traditional - central belief, justifies need for authority and hierarchy

• One Nation - accepts flaws but guides people through paternalism

• New Right - accepts human imperfection MORALLY, but believes people are economically competent

Organic Society

• Society is like a living organism - interdependent and intrinsically hierarchal

• They believe that the state and society are not artificial constructs, but emerge naturally - helps preserve order

Links:

• Traditional - strongly supports this - social classes are natural and beneficial

• One Nation - sees social unity and cohesion as crucial; promotes reform to preserve harmony

Paternalism

• This is the idea that the state should act in a fatherly way, providing guidance and supports for those who cant help themselves

Link:

• Traditional - believes in authoritarian paternalism

• One Nation - advocates benevolent paternalism: the wealthy have an obligation to help the poor

• New Right - rejects paternalism and the welfare state, arguing it creates dependency.

Neo-liberalism

• Emphasises freedom, autonomy, and minimal state interference:

  • Economic: favours free-market capitalism and deregulation

  • Moral: stresses individual responsibility

Links:

• Traditional - often sceptical, prefers state intervention

• One Nation - rejects economic libertarianism

Hierarchy

• Conservatives believe hierarchy is natural and inevitable in society - different roles and authority levels ensure order

  • New Right would agree but does not think hierarchy is intrinsic - merit and resilience is important

Authority

• Conservatives believe that authority rises naturally, and is passed down through institutions and tradition - provides security and guidance

Change to Conserve

• Coined by Burke, society must evolve to preserve its values - central to one nation and traditional

Atomism

• Rejection of pluralism, and instead advocates that society is made up of self-interested, autonomous individuals.

• This is associated with the new right, specifically neoliberals.

Noblesse Oblige

• The duty o the privileged to help the less fortunate.

• Key to one nation conservatism

Anti-Permisiveness

• Opposition to the breakdown of traditional morality and authority - strong in new right, especially in the neoconservative wing.

Radical

• Willingness to take decisive and sometimes even extreme action - adheres to new right ideas surrounding economy.

Laissez-faire

• ‘Let do’ - minimal state interference in the economy - strong in neoliberalism.

Empiricism

• The belief in knowledge based on experience and evidence, not theory - strong in traditional conservatism.