conservatism: key words

tradition: the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

paternalism/duty: the policy or practice on the part of people in authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to or otherwise dependent on them in their supposed interest.

hierarchy: 1. a system in which members of an organisation or society are ranked according to relative status or authority | 2. the Conservative belief that society is naturally organised in fixed tiers, where one’s position is not based on individual ability

human nature: the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans.

organic society: a living thing which passes permanent and core values through the ages

authority: for Conservatives, this is the idea that people in higher positions in society best able to make decisions in the interests of the whole society; authority comes from above

change to conserve: that society should adapt to changing circumstances rahter than reject change outright and risk rebellion and/or revolution

atomism: that society is made up of self-interested n self-sufficient individuals (also known as egoistical individualism)