Knowt
New right-conservatism (copy)
New Right Conservatism
New Right conservatism had two different parts, which often conflicted - economic liberalism and social conservatism.
Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism is associated with a free-market economy and less government intervention in the economy.
In the 1980s Thatcher deregulated the stock market (known as the ‘big bang’) and privatised the industries that were nationalised after the second world war.
Privatisation is when publically owned companies and goods are sold, so private individuals and companies own and control them.
Thatcher privatised coal and steel companies.
Privatisation is supposed to make companies more efficient and competitive.
Neoliberalism: individualism
Neoliberalism believes that individuals are rational and self-interested, which is termed atomistic individualism.
Neoliberals believe that freedom can only be preserved through less government intervention.
For neoliberals, the free market is a guarantee of individual freedom.
The welfare state limits freedom and undermines atomistic individualism because people become dependent on state welfare.
New Right conservative examples
New Right conservatism became important in the 1970s and 1980s in the UK.
Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan (US President between 1981 and 1989) are examples of New Right conservatives.
Neoconservatism
Neoconservatives are social conservatives who believe that changes in society have led to a break down of hierarchy and law and order in society.
1. Economic Neoliberalism:
- Advocates for free markets, minimal state intervention, deregulation, and privatization.
- Emphasizes individual responsibility and self-reliance.
- Key figures: Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman.
2. Social Conservatism:
- Supports traditional values, such as family, religion, and national identity.
- Advocates for a strong state role in maintaining law and order.
- Opposes progressive social policies that challenge traditional norms.
Key Concepts:
- Thatcherism (UK): Named after Margaret Thatcher, it focused on rolling back the welfare state, reducing trade union power, and promoting free enterprise.
- Reaganomics (US): Named after Ronald Reagan, it emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending on social programs.
The New Right's appeal lies in its promise of economic efficiency paired with social stability. It rose to prominence in the 1980s and continues to influence contemporary conservative politics.
Neo-Liberal View:
- Optimistic on Human Potential: Believes individuals are capable of achieving their goals if given the freedom and opportunity.
- Rational Actors: Views people as rational beings who make decisions based on their self-interest.
- Limited Need for Guidance: Thinks individuals need less guidance from traditional social structures and more freedom to pursue their ambitions.
Neo-Conservative View:
- Cautiously Optimistic on Human Potential: Recognizes human potential but believes it needs to be nurtured and guided to avoid moral and societal decay.
- Importance of Moral Guidance: Emphasizes the need for strong moral and ethical standards to guide human behavior.
- Role of Tradition and Authority: Stresses the importance of traditional values and authority figures in maintaining social order.
In summary, while both ideologies appreciate human potential, neo-liberals focus on individual freedom and market mechanisms, whereas neo-conservatives stress the need for moral guidance and traditional structures to shape behavior.
New right-conservatism (copy)
New Right Conservatism
New Right conservatism had two different parts, which often conflicted - economic liberalism and social conservatism.
Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism is associated with a free-market economy and less government intervention in the economy.
In the 1980s Thatcher deregulated the stock market (known as the ‘big bang’) and privatised the industries that were nationalised after the second world war.
Privatisation is when publically owned companies and goods are sold, so private individuals and companies own and control them.
Thatcher privatised coal and steel companies.
Privatisation is supposed to make companies more efficient and competitive.
Neoliberalism: individualism
Neoliberalism believes that individuals are rational and self-interested, which is termed atomistic individualism.
Neoliberals believe that freedom can only be preserved through less government intervention.
For neoliberals, the free market is a guarantee of individual freedom.
The welfare state limits freedom and undermines atomistic individualism because people become dependent on state welfare.
New Right conservative examples
New Right conservatism became important in the 1970s and 1980s in the UK.
Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan (US President between 1981 and 1989) are examples of New Right conservatives.
Neoconservatism
Neoconservatives are social conservatives who believe that changes in society have led to a break down of hierarchy and law and order in society.
1. Economic Neoliberalism:
- Advocates for free markets, minimal state intervention, deregulation, and privatization.
- Emphasizes individual responsibility and self-reliance.
- Key figures: Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman.
2. Social Conservatism:
- Supports traditional values, such as family, religion, and national identity.
- Advocates for a strong state role in maintaining law and order.
- Opposes progressive social policies that challenge traditional norms.
Key Concepts:
- Thatcherism (UK): Named after Margaret Thatcher, it focused on rolling back the welfare state, reducing trade union power, and promoting free enterprise.
- Reaganomics (US): Named after Ronald Reagan, it emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending on social programs.
The New Right's appeal lies in its promise of economic efficiency paired with social stability. It rose to prominence in the 1980s and continues to influence contemporary conservative politics.
Neo-Liberal View:
- Optimistic on Human Potential: Believes individuals are capable of achieving their goals if given the freedom and opportunity.
- Rational Actors: Views people as rational beings who make decisions based on their self-interest.
- Limited Need for Guidance: Thinks individuals need less guidance from traditional social structures and more freedom to pursue their ambitions.
Neo-Conservative View:
- Cautiously Optimistic on Human Potential: Recognizes human potential but believes it needs to be nurtured and guided to avoid moral and societal decay.
- Importance of Moral Guidance: Emphasizes the need for strong moral and ethical standards to guide human behavior.
- Role of Tradition and Authority: Stresses the importance of traditional values and authority figures in maintaining social order.
In summary, while both ideologies appreciate human potential, neo-liberals focus on individual freedom and market mechanisms, whereas neo-conservatives stress the need for moral guidance and traditional structures to shape behavior.
