Tensions in Conservatism

Traditional vs One Nation

Traditional and One Nation conservatives disagree over the need for empathy and welfare. Traditional conservatives see welfare as part of paternalism but would look away from state-centred welfare to allow capitalism to be free. One nation conservatives would support welfare to help those less fortunate in society, and as a result govern for the whole nation. As such, one nation conservatives from Disraeli to Heath have used the state to provide welfare and protect the poorest.

Traditional and One Nation conservatives both agree that there is a need for welfare to help maintain the organic society, however they disagree over the reasons behind it. Traditional conservatives look to paternalism and noblesse oblige to explain that the hierarchy that exists in society means that the rich should help the poor. One nation conservatives, on the other hand, say that since we are one nation, it is best to oversee a provision of welfare to prevent social disorder and potentially revolution.

One Nation vs New Right

There are huge disagreements between one nation and new right conservatives. On welfare, one nation conservatives believe in expanding welfare to those that genuinely need it. Neo-liberals believe in rolling back the state and leaving the responsibility with the individual in recovering during hard times, with the state as a true last resort.

Within the New Right

Neo-liberals are in favour of decreasing the size of the state, and reducing its influence within the market. This is to allow for more economic freedom and for people to benefit from the free market. Neo-conservatives, on the other hand, would like to roll the state forward to demonstrate strong leadership and a capability to tackle crime through law and order.