Summary Flashcards
human nature
pessimistic - people are imperfect, insecure and limited
human nature is immutable - cannot be altered by changing social, political or economic conditions
shapes much conservative ideology, such as their views on tradition
without firm government and tough law and order, human behaviour would inevitably deteriorate
idealistic and utopian ideology will never curb humans’ aggressive instincts
humans are essentially competitive and self interested, so capitalism is the only viable economic system
neoliberalism takes a more positive view, adopting atomistic individualism, believes that humans can be self-reliant and rational in decision making, individualism releases human potential
the state
one nation conservatism - the state is a neutral agency and its primary role is to preserve social order through welfare programmes, economic interventionism and the defence of traditional institutions and values (e.g. family, respect for authority)
New Right - exhibits libertarian and authoritarian attitudes to the state
neoliberalism - calls for the rolling back of the state because state intervention stifles economic initiative and growth and promotes a dependency culture
neoconservatism - agree that the state’s role in the eocnomy needs to be reduced but also call for a strong state based on increased police powers, tougher punihsments and anti-permissive policies (needed in order to combat crime, anti-social behaviour and uphold public morality)
society
traditional / one nation conservatism - have an organic view of society and believe that all parts of society work together in harmony to ensure the health of the whole body
any change to such internal elements of society may jeopardise social stability by undermining tried and tested institutions
an organic society rests on hierarchy and authority - they give people a sense of identity by telling people their place and role in the social order, provides security and social cohesion which ensures the functioning of society
there is a natural top down control from the ruling class - the privilege of the ruling elite is balanced by a strong sense of responsibility and paternalism towards the less fortunate (noblesse oblige)
neoliberalism - rejects natural hierarchy and paternalism, viewing it as counterproductive, they instead view society as a collection of independent and rational individuals operating within a free market, therefore society is based on individualism, this releases human potential and establishes harmonious relations between people
the economy
all conservatives favour private enterprise, but their views on the economy vary
one nation conservatism endorses limited interventionist economic management and limited state intervention in the economy in order to maintain high employment levels, a mixed economy and state welfare programmes
they advocate this position to promote social stability and to avoid the negative impacts of unbridled free market capitalism and socialist collectivism
neoconservatism and neoliberalism argue that the state’s role in the economy should be reduced, which contrasts to the view taken by one nation conservatism
neoliberals in particular call for a free market economy because they believe it’s the most efficient mechanism to meet consumer demand, maximise the use of resources and generate prosperity
