Core ideas of conservatism - Society Flashcards
Conservative’s view of society…
Conservatism’s view of society is defined by a variety of themes, all of which are thought conducive to stability, security and orderly (as opposed to revolutionary) change.
Localism…
Unlike some liberals, who see society as little more than a collection of atomistic individuals, conservatives see it as a collection of localised communities - what Burke described as ‘little platoons’. These communities provide their individuals with security, status and inspiration, while acting as a brake upon the sort of selfish individualism extolled by classical liberals. Indeed, one of Burke’s objections to the French Revolution was that it seemed to inaugurate a single, monolithic French society that would override local loyalties - a view reinforced by the new French Republic’s development of a highly centralised state.
Organicism…
For conservatives, society is not something that can be contrived or created but rather something that emerges gradually, organically, and therefore somewhat mysteriously. Here we see another illustration of conservative scepticism - this time in respect of liberal-style rationalism. For whereas liberals believe in the infinite possibility of planning and arrangement, based on a belief that mankind can determine its own fate, conservatives see the ‘reality’ of an unplanned organic society, proof that human life is subject to complex forces beyond the scope of reason.
Consequently, conservatives view society as less like a machine, responsive to whichever levers are pulled by human hands, and more like a plant, growing in a way that can never be wholly predicted.
Empiricism…
Conservatives look upon society in empirical terms. Conservatives deal with society’s issues in a practical, evidential, ‘this is how it is’ fashion, with no clear view of how society might evolve in the years and decades ahead. This empirical take on society is in sharp contrast to the normative view taken by progressive ideologies like socialism, which have principled how society ‘ought’ to be and ‘plans’ for how to create it. As Oakeshott observed, the conservative society is one that merely aims to ‘stay afloat’ in uncertain waters, rather than sail steadily towards some specific destination (such as a fairer society) which may ultimately prove illusory.
Tradition…
The effectiveness of an empirical, conservative society rests heavily upon the store it sets by tradition. Customs and habits are thus used to provide security in an uncertain world, with history and experience shaping whatever changes become necessary. It is here that tradition dovetails with organicism.
As a result, conservatives argue that change and reform - though inevitable - must be slow, not drastic; respectful not contemptuous of the past.
Hierarchy…
Conservatives see society in a less egalitarian way. For conservatives, the imperfections of humanity lead seamlessly to inequalities within human nature. This, in turn, leads to an unequal society.
Conservatives are keen to stress that with the privilege of power and authority comes responsibility. This comprise, known as paternalism or noblesse oblige, derives from the conservative principle that the relationship between society’s stronger elements and its weaker elements is akin to the relationship between a father and his children, with the former having a natural - indeed organic - responsibility for the latter.
Judaeo-Christian morality…
Conservatism has a strong attachment to religion, particularly Old Testament Christianity, with its belief in original sin. As a result, the conservative society often has an important role for the ethical guidance offered by Judaeo-Christian morality, which includes a strong emphasis upon marriage, self-contained families, and individuals being held accountable for their own actions.
Consequently, in a typical conservative society, religious principles - such as the spiritual rewards of altruism and compassion - will help bind individuals together and curb the imperfections that both conservatism and Christianity see as inherent to human nature.
Property…
Crucial to the conservative view of society, and the basis of the ‘little platoons’ lauded by Burke, is a respect for property.
Property tied to tradition and continuity…
The conservative view of property is closely tied to its support for tradition and continuity. Rather than being something acquired by autonomous individuals, property is often something inherited by one generation from another, thus providing a degree of stability in a shaky, imperfect world. Indeed, inherited and bequeathed property is seen as a tangible expression of Burke’s belief that the ideal society is a ‘partnership between those who are living, those who are dead and those who are yet to be born’.
Property as a metaphor for the ongoing maintenance in society…
The ongoing, practical maintenance of property could be seen as a metaphor for conservatism’s belief in the ongoing maintenance of society - an illustration of its core belief that we must change to conserve.
There is also a connection between property and the paternalistic society conservatism supports. This is because those with property have a ‘stake’ in existing society and, if only to discourage revolution, should have some concerns for those who are less fortunate.
Property ownership thus provides a platform and an incentive for property owners to exercise ‘duty of care’ towards others - and thereby maintain existing society.
New Right on property…
New Right conservatives are even more zealous about property, wishing not just to preserve but to extend property ownership throughout society, thus creating a ‘property-owning democracy’.
For thinkers like Rand and Nozick, those who own property are generally better placed to resist state-led incursions upon their liberty and will be emboldened to justify the sort of unequal society conservatives defend.
The New Right’s overall analysis of society is somewhat distinctive, in that it places particular emphasis upon individual liberty. However, in line with traditional conservative thinking, it concedes that individualism is best pursued in a society that still values hierarchy and a traditional Judaeo-Christian culture. In the New Right’s view, such ‘traditional’ societies provide the security and discipline that individuals need to flourish.
