Tensions within conservatism

Question 1

What are the tensions within conservatism regarding human nature?

Answer 1

Traditional: focused on humanity’s imperfection, wary of any attempts made to achieve it e.g. French, Russian Revolutions.
New Right: optimistic about individual ability in a capitalist environment.

Question 2

What are the tensions within conservatism regarding society?

Answer 2

• Traditional: society is a group of organic, small communities in a paternalist, hierarchical structure.
• New Right: sceptical about the existence of a society, favour the idea of a collection of atomised individuals in a meritocratic system.

Question 3

What are the tensions within conservatism regarding the state?

Answer 3

Traditional: political power should be wielded by the hereditary elite, raised to govern with all interests concerned. Prepared to enlarge state for social stability and unity.
New Right: save security and defence, the frontiers of the state should be rolled back to advance individual freedom. Against the idea of aristocratic rule.

Question 4

What are the tensions within conservatism regarding the economy?

Answer 4

Traditional: support private ownership but sceptical about free-market capitalism: it could exacerbate inequality, threaten national unity and create support for socialism. Prepared to use Keynesian economics and create a welfare state.
New Right: completely free-markets, deregulated and privatised public services, low taxation and state spending.