Conservatism theory

Question 1

defining traditional conservatism

Answer 1

emmerged at end of 18th century, reacting to change from french revolution
- importance of gradual change
- promoting traditional institutions

Question 2

core principles of conservatism

Answer 2

human imperfection
pragmatism
tradition
organic society
hierarchy
property

Question 3

one nation conservatism

Answer 3

emmerged after rapid changes of industrial revolution
- more urban / working class
- development of laissez-faire capitalisn

Question 4

aim of one nation conservatism

Answer 4

create a shared society / union of 2 nations into single social entity
- 2 nations are upper and lower class

Question 5

New RIght

Answer 5

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

Question 6

where do the strands agree in terms of human nature

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

where do the strands agree in terms of the state

Answer 7

Agreement on the need for a strong state to maintain order and stability, though the extent and focus of state intervention differ.

Question 8

where do the strands agree on the economy

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Where do the strands agree on society

Answer 9

Emphasis on tradition, strong social institutions, and the importance of community and social cohesion to maintain a stable and prosperous society.

Question 10

where do the strands disagree in terms of human nature

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Where do the strands disagree in terms of state intervention

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

where do the strands disagree on welfare

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Where do the strands disagree on market regulation

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Where do the strands disagree on economic inequality

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

where do the strands disagree on tradition

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

where do the strands disagree on the role of community

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What are new right views on : STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is the one nation conservative view on: STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE

Answer 18

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)

Question 19

Traditional conservative views on: STATE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY and HUMAN NATURE

Answer 19

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

Question 20

How there is a difference between one nation and new right conservatives economically?

Answer 20

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