One-nation Conservatism

What is one-nation conservatism?

• came out of a response to socialism, class conflict and free-market capitalism (reactionary)

• updates the views of traditional conservatism, to effectively deal with the new threats presented by new theories and ideologies

Benjamin Disraeli

• PM in 1868 and 1874-1880

• associated with one-nation conservatism. and compassionate yet nationalistic conservatism

• passed the Employers and Workmen Act in 1875

Ideas in one-nation conservatism

• argues that society exists together as part of one-nation (nationalism)

• this nation is organic, flexible and interconnected - thus, when an issue arises in one area of society, it will also impact the rest

  • implies that issues in ne area of society ought to be dealt by the rest of society

• this is a view which contrasts with socialist class dynamics and historical materialism - contradict dialectical class of Marx, and believes working class and owner class can work together to solve conflicts in an area of society

• Disraeli: “the palace is not safe when when the cottage is not happy” (taking into account workers views and emotional needs)

Changing to conserve

• Disraeli was concerned about the impact of free-market capitalism (a relatively new concept) - did not agree with Adam Smith’s concept of an invisible hand

• recognised that some aspects of the free market were inevitable

• Disraeli wanted to accept the free-market, BUT tackle the worst consequences of the market in order to conserve society and its hierarchy

• “change to conserve” concept