One Nation

Key figures

• Benjamin Disraeli

• Harold Macmillan

• David Cameron

• Theresa May

Core ideology (DEEP)

Rooted in:

• Traditional conservatism + social responsibility

Disraeli’s idea of:

• “Two Nations” (rich vs poor)
  → Risk of social division → instability

👉 Therefore:

• Elites must govern in the interest of all

Key principles

1. Paternalism

• State intervention is justified

• Wealthier groups have a moral duty

2. Organic society

• Society is interdependent

• Inequality is acceptable, but extreme inequality is dangerous

3. Pragmatism

• Rejects rigid ideology

• Supports policies that work, not those that are “pure”

Economic beliefs

• Supports mixed economy

• Accepts:

  • Welfare state

  • Regulation

• BUT:

  • Still pro-capitalism

Modern development

Under David Cameron

• “Compassionate conservatism”

• Big Society:

  • Reduce state size but maintain social support via communities

Under Theresa May

• Focus on:

  • Inequality

  • “Burning injustices”

• Shift away from pure neoliberalism

Evaluation

✔ Electorally effective (appeals to centre ground)
✔ Helps maintain social cohesion

✖ Criticised by New Right:

• Too close to socialism

• Encourages dependency

👉 Exam judgement: Often dominant during periods when Conservatives need broad appeal