In this document you will find quick short notes detailing the Conservatist ideology, explaining the context and content needed to answer questions in the Government and Politics Paper 1. You will also find notes on the Thinkers you will need for assessing the question.
Edmund Burke
Michael Oakeshott “to be a conservative is to prefer the tried to the untried”
Rejects theory and ideology for practical experience. The approach to society should be
flexible, with decisions made based on what works. Flexible approach to politics with the
best interests of the people, what is acceptable to the public and maintain social stability
and cohesion.
Strongly linked to view of human rationality. Humans lack the intellectual ability and powers
of reasoning to full compared ideas in the world. Conservatives dismiss abstract ideas,
theories and ideologies that “improve” human life.
Principles such as a classless society and equality are dangerous because they promote a
radical reordering of society (likely through a revolution).
Critics argue pragmatism means a lack of political principle and encourages politicians to
follow rather than to lead.
Traditional and one-nation Conservatism.
Edmund Burke (traditional conservative): Pragmatism is essential for gradual change in
society. A state without some means of change is without the means of conservation.
Cautious pragmatism would bring about necessary change peacefully, through evolution.
One-Nation conservatives adopted a “middle way” approach. The economy will have a
combined market competition with government regulation. Moderate economic growth and
social harmony encourages wealth creation through private enterprise and funds welfare.
Tradition
Institutions, practices and customs of society that have developed over time. This was
originally derived from religion, where people believed humans that deviated from
God’s path were trying to undermine society.
Conservatives maintain tradition brings the wisdom of the past. Customs such as
monarchy, constitution, nuclear family and het-marriage have proven their value after
being maintained over time.
Monarchy creates a sense of national identity and pride.
Edmund Burke: Society was a partnership between the living, the dead and the yet to be
born.
Change can only be justified if it happens naturally in a peaceful way. Examples: French
in 1789 and Bolsheviks in Russia in 1917.
These arguments were used against New Labour in 1990s. The innovations like the HoL
reform would undermine constitutional stability and create uncertainty.
Human Imperfection
People are flawed and incapable of reaching state perfection.
Human nature is constant.
Must be kept in check due to human capacity for evil.
Therefore:
- Tough stance on law and order to deter criminal behaviour.
- Human nature cannot be transformed. Foreign policy must be based on national
security.
, - Human behavior is competitive. Self-interest is more motivating than altruism.
Humans are flawed psychologically, morally and intellectually.
Organic society or state
Humans are dependent and security seeking.
People cannot exist separately from society such as family or local community. Society
provides individuals with a sense of security and prevent the development of instability,
breakdown in standards and values and a lack of purpose.
Humans accept the duties, responsibilities and bonds of the society, such as being a parent,
neighbour and child. If people did not act on these responsibilities, human society would
descend into atomism.
Atomism: Society is made up of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals.
Psychological Moral Intellectual
Humans are limited Humans are morally Intellect and reasoning
and dependent. imperfect because of humans is limited.
People want safety, they are naturally Humans do not
familiarity and security selfish. possess the mental
of knowing a Anti-social behaviour capabilities to
designated place in is due to basic human comprehend a
society. nature. complex world.
Social order is more A robust law and order Humans should draw
important than liberty system is required to on tradition, history
because it provides impose severe and practical
security (Thomas sanctions. experience.
Hobbes).
Liberty creates too
much choice, change
and uncertainty.
Organicism: organic society or state. Society is a living organism, with all parts working
together. To ensure the body remains healthy.
The internal elements of an organic society cannot be randomly changed. It is like a living
creature, it is maintained by delicate relationships. If the balance is disturbed, society will be
undermined and collapse.
Organic society is based on natural needs and instincts such as affection, security and
concern. Its component parts are molded by natural forces beyond human control.
Members need to careful sustain the balance.
This belief in an organic society comes from hierarchy and authority. Conservatism is based
on the traditional view that society is naturally hierarchical, based on social ranks and
inequalities. This is due to individual talents, skills and work rate.
This arrangement can be justified because the most advantaged also bear the heaviest social
responsibilities. Managers have better pay because they protect the jobs and well-being of
their employees.
This encourages paternalism.
The hierarchical structure is enforced by authority that develops naturally, such as teachers,
parents, employers, managers ect.
Authority performs vital functions by providing humans with security, direction and support
as well as social cohesion by giving people a sense of how they fit in.
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