Conservatism theory Flashcards
defining traditional conservatism
emmerged at end of 18th century, reacting to change from french revolution
- importance of gradual change
- promoting traditional institutions
core principles of conservatism
human imperfection
pragmatism
tradition
organic society
hierarchy
property
one nation conservatism
emmerged after rapid changes of industrial revolution
- more urban / working class
- development of laissez-faire capitalisn
aim of one nation conservatism
create a shared society / union of 2 nations into single social entity
- 2 nations are upper and lower class
New RIght
neoliberalism - classic liberal economics (individuals are an ‘ends’ not a ‘means’
neoconservatism - combat permisiveness (unwelcome changes lead to social fragmentation)
both on fundamental belief of principal / ethically superior
where do the strands agree in terms of human nature
pessimistic view of human nature
-Traditional and neo liberal believe humans are selfish and look out for themselves
-Traditional and one nation conservatives have a sceptical view of human nature and believe people crave order and security over rational thinking
-Common belief in the imperfect nature of humans, necessitating strong authority and order.
where do the strands agree in terms of the state
Agreement on the need for a strong state to maintain order and stability, though the extent and focus of state intervention differ.
where do the strands agree on the economy
General support for capitalism and a market economy and believe capitalism is the natural state of being for society, with varying degrees of state intervention to ensure stability and address inequalities.
Where do the strands agree on society
Emphasis on tradition, strong social institutions, and the importance of community and social cohesion to maintain a stable and prosperous society.
where do the strands disagree in terms of human nature
Traditional- humans are irrational and flawed and need guidance.
One nation- more optimistic about human potential for cooperation and social responsibility with proper support.
Neo liberal- more optimistic view of human rationality, believing in the capability of individuals to make rational economic decisions if left free from excessive state control.
Neo conservatives- Agree with Traditional Conservatives in viewing human nature as flawed and in need of moral guidance and strong state intervention to maintain order.
Where do the strands disagree in terms of state intervention
traditional- Strong state to preserve order
One nation- interventionist state to reduce social inequality (paternalism+ welfare)
Neo- Liberal- minimal state intervention in economy. States role is to maintain order
Neo conservative- Strong state in terms of national security and order and upholding traditional values.
where do the strands disagree on welfare
Traditional- cautious about extensive welfare provisions, fearing dependency and erosion of traditional values.
One nation- Advocate for a welfare state to address social inequalities and maintain social harmony, believing in noblesse oblige
Neo liberal- minimal welfare as it discourages personal responsibility and economic efficiency.
Neo conservatives- may support targeted welfare to uphold social stability but also agree with traditional conservatives
Where do the strands disagree on market regulation
Traditional- regulated capitalism to preserve social order and protect established institutions.
One nation- regulated capitalism but advocate for more state intervention to ensure social justice and reduce inequality.
Neo liberal- laissez-faire capitalism, minimal regulation, and a significant reduction in state intervention in the economy.
Neo conservative- generally support free-market policies similar to Neo-liberals.
Where do the strands disagree on economic inequality
Traditional- Accept economic inequalities as a natural part of society but believe in some level of regulation to maintain social order.
One nation- Aim to reduce economic inequalities through state intervention, welfare policies, and a mixed economy approach.
Neo liberal- View economic inequality as acceptable and even beneficial as it encourages competition and innovation, with a focus on equality of opportunity rather than outcome.
Neo conservatives- Similar to Neo-liberals, more focused on ensuring a strong economy to support national security and traditional values.
where do the strands disagree on tradition
Traditional- emphasize the importance of maintaining traditions and established social institutions to ensure stability.
One nation- Value tradition but are more open to gradual change to address social issues
Neo liberal- Less focused on tradition, prioritizing individual freedom and market efficiency over maintaining traditional social structures.
Neo conservatives- Similar to traditional conservatives, support state intervention to uphold tradition.
where do the strands disagree on the role of community
Traditional- Stress the importance of a hierarchy and social order.
One nation- more inclusive community approach, focusing on social cohesion and reducing class divisions.
Neo liberals- Prioritize individualism over community, believing that a focus on personal responsibility and market solutions will ultimately benefit society.
Neo conservatives- Value community but through the lens of traditional values and national identity.
What are new right views on : STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE
STATE: believes that there should be a ‘rolling back’ of the state, to ensure that individuals are prioritised (HOWEVER, should also be used to enforce law and order)
ECONOMY: a free market economy with minimal government intervention should be promoted, as this is the most efficient system
SOCIETY- Atomistic: believe that society is merely more than a collection of individuals and there is no such thing as society
HUMAN NATURE- Whilst they are somewhat pessimistic of human nature, they also promote self importance, and believe that people should act in their own self interest: this is more beneficial
What is the one nation conservative view on: STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE
STATE- A level of government intervention is necessary (through the rich in society) to ensure that people feel as though they’re being acknowledged
ECONOMY- Should remain laissez faire, this can be successful if the rich uphold their moral responsibility
SOCIETY- Promote organicism: if people uphold their moral responsibilities, this can lead to a respectful society
HUMAN NATURE- Somewhat view this positively: as people can use their responsibilities to ensure that all benefit (noblesse oblige)
Traditional conservative views on: STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE
STATE- Should be used cautiously, but some accept this as a means of promoting order
ECONOMY- Government intervention should be minimal, to ensure that people aren’t oppressed
SOCIETY- If it is to be progressed, this should be done so with caution and respect for previous generations: DOES EXIST, i.e. Burke’s support for little platoons
HUMAN NATURE- Generally cautious of the positives of human nature: believes that this should be repressed by the state
How there is a difference between one nation and new right conservatives economically?
One nation conservatives: generally more cautious of accepting change in the economy, believe that care for previous generations should be acknowledged
New right conservatives: (Rand) Some are more willing to accept radical reforms as long as they promote self interest
