Debate - Can conservatism be reconciled with socialism? Flashcards
Yes…
> Traditional conservatives and socialists play down the importance of individualism.
> Traditional conservatives and socialists stress the importance of communities.
> Traditional conservatives and socialists stress the importance of unity within communities.
> Traditional conservatives and socialists see capitalism as potentially problematic.
> Traditional conservatives and socialists are sceptical of meritocracy, highlighting ‘fate’ and ‘chance’.
No…
> Conservatives see inequality as natural, socialists see it as unacceptable.
> Conservatives are sceptical of progress, socialists see it as essential.
> Conservatives defend private property, fundamentalist socialists favour common ownership.
> Conservatives reject revolution, some fundamental socialists see it as desirable and inevitable.
> Traditional conservatives advocate noblesse oblige, socialists think paternalism is patronising.
