This covers the history of Conservatism, as well as the current nature. Includes all key terms and key thinkers. Refers to the ideological (24 mark) question in Politics paper 1. Complete notes.
Conservatism can be seen as a state of mind as well as a political ideology. The key principles of
conservatism are:
o Need for social order and hierarchy within society
o Emphasis on tradition and pragmatism
o Patriotism
o Pessimistic view of human nature
Core ideas
1. Pragmatism
2. Tradition
3. Human imperfection
4. Organic society/ state
5. Paternalism
6. Libertarianism
Traditional Conservatism
This is the oldest form of Conservative thought and has little relevance in modern day Britain. It is
rooted in a time where few people had the vote and linked with the work of Edmune Burke.
o Hierarchy is necessary for society to function
o People need to accept their place and carry out their associated duties and responsibilities
o Linked with noblesse oblige – those born of a high social status have a duty or responsibility
to help those less fortunate in society
o As the franchise increased, traditional conservatism evolved into one- nation conservatism.
One Nation conservatism
This was an updated version of conservatism in response to laissez-faire capitalism and have strong
support for the values and institutions that generate a sense of national unity and social cohesion.
They believe there is some role for the state:
Neutral arbitrator to prevent chaos and anarchy
Some re- distribution of income/ wealth because the rich have some moral
duty to the poor
The welfare state is a good safety net because it can prevent revolution
and social unrest
However, the state should not be too interfering
The New Right
o Neo liberalism is a modernised version of classic liberalism and is based on a commitment to
the free market economy and minimal state intervention which leads to individual freedom
and responsibility
o Near conservatism is an underrated form of traditional conservatism and is based on a
commitment to order untraditional values and public morality
, Neo liberal features of Thatcherism neo conservative features of Thatcherism
tight control of money supply in order to defence of traditional values including support
control inflation and encourage economic for heterosexual marriage and the nuclear
activity family
privatisation of state-controlled industries such strong law and order policies based on support
as gas and water for police and criminal justice
promotion of free market through policies of opposition to permissive attitudes and
deregulation alternative lifestyles which led to a law
prohibiting promotion of homosexuality
believed that trade union power was determination to protect public morality led to
endangering UK's economic competitiveness government regulation of the UK video market
which led to anti-union legislation
Neo liberalism
o A minimal state
o Self-reliant individuals capable of making rational decisions in their own interests
o the rejection of collectivism
o elimination of government intervention
Neo conservatism
o Reducing the state's role in the economy
o emphasise important on authority and the need to preserve society
o seeks to strengthen society by reasserting authority in social discipline
Pragmatism
In political terms, pragmatism rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience – the
approach to society should be flexible and based on what works. It is strongly linked to their view of
human rationality; they contend that humans lack the Intellectual ability and powers of reasoning to
fully comprehend the complex realities of the world.
Principles and ideas such as human rights, a classless society and equality are dangerous because
they can promote a radical re-ordering of society which is often through revolution this can lead to
worse conditions.
Critics argue that pragmatism reveals a lack of political principle and encourages politicians to follow
rather than lead public opinion it is impractical to separate political behaviour from ideological or
theoretical considerations. This view is usually linked with traditional and one conservatism.
Tradition
Another core value of conservatism is its attachment to tradition the institutions, customs and
practises over society that have developed overtime. Originally this idea has religious roots, as they
believed the practices of society were 'God given' therefore anybody who tries to alter this goes
against the will of God.
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