Strands of Conservatism

Who is best known for one nation conservatism?

Benjamin Disraeli

Why was one nation conservatism created?

Due to concerns over the divide between upper and lower classes. They believed it was like two nations within the same country that didn’t interact and were ignorant of each other.

What are the main policies of one nation conservatism? (3)

• Nationalism - transcends class, religion or race

• Education for all

• Votes for the working class

Do they believe the rich should help the poor?

Yes, they have a moral and social obligation

Why are extreme class inequalities bad?

Out of industrial capitalism, they are socially divisive and can become the source of political instability.

Why do they believe the Conservative party should represent the interests of the whole country?

To eliminate a sense of social exclusion and alienation, with an emphasis on social justice.

How do one nation views compare to traditional?

Economy: Different

Values: Same

Why can abstract philosophical ideas not be the basis of government decisions?

Due to the flawed nature of the human intellect

So, what is the pragmatic approach?

An empirical approach must be adopted, observing reality

What policies should the government promote?

Ones that are practically feasible, manageable and electorally viable.

What do conservatives believe can be compromised to gain power?

Traditional beliefs and practices - the political word is boundless + bottomless.

Why do they reject ideological utopianism?

It is impossible to create a society of social harmony, as this inevitably breeds totalitarianism.

What’s more important, theory or practice?

Practice

What is the new right?

A combination of neo conservative and neo liberal ideas.

Neo-conservatism: Main concerns

They are principally concerned with social fragmentation, to be tough on law and order and public morality

Neo-liberalism: Definition

A political approach that favours free-market capitalism, deregulation and reduction in govt. spending

In what period was the New Right particularly prominent?

During the 1980s, with Thatcher and Reagan particularly

Points of agreement between neo-conservatives and neo-liberals

• Support free market capitalism

• Against excessive state intervention in the economy

• Oppose socialism and a culture of dependency

• Against trade unions

Why’s an authoritarian state necessary to increase the extent of the free market?

• To reject political demands from pressure groups

• Taking a strong stance against trade unions, which oppose radical liberalisation of the economy

• Strengthen the police & law to suppress militant industrial disputes and the potential for urban disorder

• Build respect for traditional forms of authority, both socially and politcally

How does reducing welfare spending contradict neo-liberal aims?

Reducing government spending will increase unemployment, leading to the expansion of welfare spending.

How do neo-liberal policies affect neo-conservatives aims in regard to authority?

They have led to the erosion of traditional working class communities, this results in a decline of support for traditional sources of authority

How do some neo-liberal policies undermine the traditional family?

They have extolled the value of egotistical individualism and social/geographic mobility. But, this undermines traditional family life.