ideologies essay conservatism Flashcards
intro
Edmund Burke can be seen as the ‘Father of modern Conservatism’. This essay will analyse the key features of Conservatism and how they have changed since Burke’s day, looking at equality, property and security.’
burke on equality description
Burke did not believe that men were, or should be, equal. He believed that there is a natural order to the hierarchy of people within a country and that this is fair and right. He criticised the approach to equality that was integral to the French Revolution, arguing in his Reflections that ‘Everything ought to be open, but not equally, to every man’.
conservative view on equality
This belief in hierarchy can be seen to an extent as a lasting feature of Conservatism – with the modern-day UK Conservative party still committed to traditional hierarchical institutions such as the Monarchy and House of Lords. However, it is clear that modern-day Conservatives are no longer committed to the strict hierarchies in society that existed in Burke’s day.
conservative policies in creating equality example
The Conservative party have, since Thatcher’s time, been committed to social mobility. For example, many of their key policies in Government – the Right to Buy council housing, the commitment to comprehensive education, the Equality Act- have sought to ensure that those who work hard are able to get to the highest positions in society.
conservatism equality analysis
This shows that Conservatism, while still respecting traditional institutions, has changed significantly with regards to Equality, with increasing emphasis being put on Government’s role supporting ‘strivers’ and entrepreneurs, regardless of social background.
burke on housing description
Burke’s ideas on property mirror his views on equality. He believed that it was natural, and therefore just, for some people to own large amounts of land and others none – this was part of the hierarchical society he favoured. Burke believed that only those who owned property really had a stake in society, and therefore should be able to vote.
conservative view on housing
It can be argued that Burke’s theory that property ownership gives people a stake in society is still accepted widely within Conservatism. Successive Conservative Governments have aimed to encourage property ownership. Margaret Thatcher declared her belief in a ‘property owning democracy’ during her first speech as Conservative leader.
conservative policies on housing example
Thatcher’s Right to Buy programme gave council housing tenants the right to purchase their homes and was revolutionary in changing Britain, with around 1.5 million tenants choosing to buy their homes. However, Burke’s belief that it was only natural for the upper classes to own property is no longer accepted within modern Conservatism. Recent Conservative Governments have aimed to continue and extend the right to buy for all citizens. David Cameron’s Government also introduced ‘Help to Buy’, a scheme to help first time buyers buy property without the necessary deposit.
conservative housing analysis
Clearly, Burke’s commitment to property ownership as a qualification for voting is no longer a feature of modern Conservatism – with all citizens eligible to vote no matter their property status. However, the commitment of Conservatism to encouraging property ownership, and therefore a stake in society, amongst citizens continues.
burke on security
Burke saw security as much more important than an abstract concept of liberty and argued that the French Revolution showed the danger of principles over practicalities. He had a negative view of human nature, believing that men were largely out for themselves, and strong Government was needed to ensure stability and protect the country.
conservative view on security
This sceptical view of human nature and prioritisation of security can still be seen as a feature of modern-day Conservatism, with Conservatives generally taking a hard line on matters of law and order.
conservative policies on security
Boris Johnson’s Government recently passed laws restricting the right to protest and refused to let British born Isis brides back into the country, citing security. Furthermore, Conservatives today tend to take a hard line on matters of defence. Both in the UK and USA, Conservatives are committed to strengthening the armed forces and see themselves as having a major role to play in world security. For example, Boris Johnson’s Government has intervened in the conflict in Ukraine, offering weapons and support. They also continued their commitment to Trident replacement and see Britain as having a key role to play within NATO.
conservative security analysis
It is clear that a belief in prioritising security continues to be a key principle of Conservatism, with Conservatives today continuing Burke’s theory that Government and its agencies, such as the police and armed forces, must prioritise law and order over individual freedoms.
