conservatism: society
social conservatism:
conservatives see humans as dependent and security-seeking.
humans need to belong and cannot exist outside society.
individuals are part of social groups that nurture them.
this stance is called social conservatism.
belief: society is a fragile network of relationships upheld by duty, traditional values, and traditions.
conservatives do not see freedom in ‘negative’ terms.
freedom is accepting social obligations and ties.
a society focused only on rights, not responsibilities, is rootless and atomistic.
duty and obligation bonds hold society together.
organicism:
conservatives see society as organic.
society is a living thing, not just individual parts.
shaped by ‘natural’ factors, not human ingenuity.
family is a natural social impulse, not an invention.
organic view emphasises tradition and hierarchy.
established customs create a sense of belonging.
tradition links people to the past and builds social cohesion.
burke: society is a partnership between the living, dead, and future-born.
tradition guides action, with accumulated past wisdom.
hierarchy:
conservative hierarchy follows from the organic view.
like organs in the body, societal classes have specific roles.
leaders and followers exist due to natural inequality.
social equality is a myth; wealth and position vary with responsibilities.
working class has fewer stresses and opportunities.
organicism and hierarchy lead to paternalism in traditional conservatism.
new right weakens support for organic ideas in conservatism.
libertarian conservatives see society as self-reliant individuals' actions.
“there is no such thing as society; only individuals and families.” (thatcher, paraphrasing bentham)