Strands of conservatism

Question 1

What are the 5 core types of conservatism?

Answer 1

• Traditional
• One Nation
• Post-war
• Thatcherism (New Right)
• Modern

These types reflect different ideological approaches within conservatism.

Question 2

Who are the key figures associated with Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 2

• Thomas Hobbes
• Edmund Burke

Their ideas laid the foundation for Traditional Conservatism, particularly during the English Civil War.

Question 3

What is the main ideology of Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 3

Protection of traditional institutions

This ideology emphasizes a connection to the past and a cynical view of human nature.

Question 4

What is the view of the state in Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 4

Belief in an organic state that evolved naturally

A strong state is seen as necessary to maintain order, tradition, and hierarchy.

Question 5

What role does Traditional Conservatism assign to the ruling class?

Answer 5

The ruling class should be kept in power

This reflects a belief in maintaining social order and hierarchy.

Question 6

What is the perspective on human nature in Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 6

Humans are inherently selfish

This belief is rooted in traditional Christian views of original sin.

Question 7

What economic stance does Traditional Conservatism take?

Answer 7

The state should not get involved in economics

It supports a free market and private ownership.

Question 8

Who popularized One Nation Conservatism?

Answer 8

Benjamin Disraeli

His ideas emerged in response to the American and French revolutions.

Question 9

What was the aim of One Nation Conservatism?

Answer 9

To unify the classes and promote equality

It sought to bring together different social classes under a common goal.

Question 10

How does One Nation Conservatism view the state?

Answer 10

The state acts as a father figure to remove intense inequality

It promotes active participation to mitigate the worst effects of capitalism.

Question 11

What is the belief about human nature in One Nation Conservatism?

Answer 11

Everyone is inherently selfish but capitalism exacerbates this

The state should facilitate opportunities for all individuals.

Question 12

What economic approach does One Nation Conservatism advocate?

Answer 12

State-managed capitalism

This combines private and public ownership to temper inequalities.

Question 13

What characterized Post-War Conservatism?

Answer 13

A broad agreement between political parties from 1945-1979

It was shaped by social and economic upheavals like the Great Depression.

Question 14

What economic stance did Post-War Conservatism adopt?

Answer 14

A pragmatic middle ground between socialism and capitalism

This included elements of state intervention and free market principles.

Question 15

Who were the key figures associated with Post-War Conservatism?

Answer 15

• Harold MacMillan
• R.A.A Butler

They played significant roles in shaping Post-War Conservative policies.

Question 16

What was the expanded role of the state post-WWII?

Answer 16

The state was responsible for rebuilding the nation and ensuring social welfare, providing a safety net for all citizens through initiatives like the 1948 NHS and universal education reforms.

Question 17

How did the state balance key industries?

Answer 17

The state balanced key industries through nationalisation (e.g., coal, railways) while allowing private enterprise to exist, balancing laissez-faire capitalism and centralised socialism.

Question 18

What economic theory did the state engage with?

Answer 18

The state engaged with Keynesian Economics, encouraging full employment and increasing public spending.

Question 19

What was the societal focus after WWII?

Answer 19

Social unity was prioritized, influenced by shared sacrifices of WWII, with an emphasis on cooperation between different social classes.

Question 20

How was inequality viewed in post-war society?

Answer 20

Inequality was seen as natural, and equality of opportunity was enforced.

Question 21

What was the view of human nature in the post-war consensus?

Answer 21

The view became cautiously optimistic, recognizing individuals’ vulnerability to external forces and justifying state intervention for stability.

Question 22

What was the economic approach of the New Right?

Answer 22

Grounded in neoliberal economics, prioritizing government intervention to manage the economy and prevent instability.

Question 23

Who were key figures of the New Right?

Answer 23

Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, and Ayn Rand.

Question 24

What did the New Right seek to achieve?

Answer 24

They sought to reduce the role of the state in the economy and restore traditional values.

Question 25

What was the New Right’s stance on state intervention?

Answer 25

Championed a strong state with minimal intervention, focusing on tough policing and stricter punishments.

Question 26

How did the New Right view trade unions?

Answer 26

Extended opposition to trade union power, exemplified by the handling of the 1984-5 miners’ strike.

Question 27

What societal values did Thatcherism promote?

Answer 27

Thatcherism emphasized individualism and traditional views, encouraging personal responsibility over reliance on the state.

Question 28

What was the New Right’s perspective on human nature?

Answer 28

Believed individuals are self-interested yet rational, capable of making productive decisions under private ownership.

Question 29

What economic policies did the New Right implement?

Answer 29

Grounded in neoliberal economics, prioritizing free markets, competition, and privatization, while reducing welfare spending.

Question 30

What were the criticisms of New Right policies?

Answer 30

Criticized for exacerbating inequality, causing social hardship through monetarist policies, and eroding community support for the vulnerable.