Conservatism

Question 1

Examples of pragmatism Thatcher-major

Answer 1

Under Margaret Thatcher, the Conservatives proposed a poll tax - something that John Major (a more one-nation conservative) saw as being not a pragmatic decision and was replaced with the Council Tax.

Question 2

Examples of pragmatism David Cameron

Answer 2

David Cameron’s Conservative Party changed its policies based on coalition compromises between 2010 and 2015.
This can be argued to be because the party changed its ideas to the most electorally and socially pragmatic policies.

Question 3

Pragmatism

Answer 3

Is a flexible approach to society with decisions being made on the basis of what works.
Pragmatism rejects ideology and dogma and instead accepts that the best route is what works
“What matters is what works”

Question 4

Tradition

Answer 4

Institutions, customs and practices of a society have developed over time, also has religious roots as conservatives see traditions as God Given. However, this was weakned by the enlightenment of 18th century

Question 5

Examples of traditions valued by cons

Answer 5

Marriage, The church/religioin and the monarchy
Oppose breaks with tradition e.g. hol reform or constitutional changes e.g. devolution, scottish independence

Question 6

Key thinker associated with tradition

Answer 6

Edmund Burke supported ideas of tradition - he wrote after the 1789 French Revolution about the dangers of rejecting the ideas of the past.
Because of human imperfection, we cannot just create a new society - we should listen to the lessons and teachings of the past and society should evolve organically to meet current needs.

Question 7

What does change to conserve mean?

Answer 7

Conserve or minimise change

Question 9

Why do cons value tradition?

Answer 9

Represents the accumulated wisdom of the past
Darnwinisim - institutions that have stood the test fo time have done so because they are right
Provides society and individual w strong sense of identity foestering social stability and security

Question 10

Conservatives view of human nature?

Answer 10

Humans are imperfect and cannot be made perfect even if their social circumstances improved, people are morally not good, people do not always behave rationally but are drieven by their desires, Humans like stability in their lives

Question 11

What ways are human imperfect?

Answer 11

Psychologically
Morally
Intellectually

Question 12

Psychological imperfect

Answer 12

Psychological - humans desire familiarity, safety and the security of knowing their place in society. Favour social order rather than liberty

Question 13

Morally imperfect

Answer 13

Moral- As naturally selfish beings, humans are morally imperfect, anti-scoial criminal behaviour is down to human nature and not socio-economic deprivation, humans are flawed and require tough law and order, foreign policy based on national security rather than liberal notions of cooperation and harmony

Question 14

Intellectually imperfect

Answer 14

Intellectual- Humans lack the intellect and powers of reasoning to understand the complex world. Conservatives reject theories or ideologies that claim to explain or predict the development of human society. Humans should be pragmatic and rely on history, tradition and practical experience to understand their place in the world. New right strand would disagree with this as more ideological based radical economic theories

Question 15

Why do cons beliebe in strong law and order and mililtary?

Answer 15

Because humans are imperfect and selfish and can act morally bad for their own desire, thus requires strong law and order to be able to control these imperfect humans

Question 16

What is an organic society?

Answer 16

Organic society is rooted in their belief that humans are dependent and security seeking, and that people cannot exist separately from society or from social groups such as their family or the local community
* This perspective views society as a living organism with all its parts working in harmony to ensure that the body remains healthy
* Society and social groups provide individuals with a sense of security and purpose and prevent the developmeny of anomie (a condition of instability affecting individuals and societies, produced by a breakdown in social standards and values or by a lack of purpose or ideas

Question 17

What is atomisim?

Answer 17

Atomism is the idea that society is made up of self interested and self sufficient individuals (egotistical individualism) it can aslo describe increasing social breakdown and isolation. If people did not acknowledge and act on these responsibilities, bonds, human society would lack cohesion and descend into atomism

Question 18

Atomistic society?

Answer 18

Views individuals as individuals in society as atoms working together

Question 19

How is society like a body?

Answer 19

Organic society is like a living figure is maintained by a delicate set of relationships betweense these elements and if this careful balance is disturbed society will be undermined and possibly destroyed
An organic society is based on natural needs and instincts such as affection, security and concern rather than ideological blueprint devised by political theorists

Question 20

Conservatives view of hierarchy and authority

Answer 20

Society naturally hierarchical based on fixed social ranks and inequalities, due to individuals having different talents, intellects, skills, work rates but mainly because different groups (limbs/organs) have to perform specific roles - some have to provide political leadership or manage large companies others need to look after children, grow food, care for sick, dispose of sewage

Question 21

Why do cons believe that hierarchy and authority are good for society?

Answer 21

Justified inequalities for different levels of society and is reinforced by authority and authority develops naturally or organically in much the same way as society. Authority resides with political leaders, employers, managers, teachers, parents etc.
Authority is good for society as it performs a vital and positive function by providing humans with security, direction and support and promotes social cohesion by giving people a clear sense of how they fit into society and what theta re expected to do

Question 22

Why are cons comfortable with an unequal society?

Answer 22

Inequality is justified because the most advantaged bear the heaviest social responsibilities, encourages paternalism as a means of social cohesion

Question 23

What is nobless oblige

Answer 23

privilege entails responsibility
Rich in society have the responsibility to look after the poorest in society

Question 24

Thachers view of organic society

Answer 24

Society was questioned by the new right with thatcher saying ‘No such thing as society’ and she had an individualist approach

Question 25

Paternalism

Answer 25

Paternalism = the idea of government of people who are best equipped to lead by virtue of their birth, inheritance and upbringing - linked to views on hierarchy, order and organic society

Question 26

What is a natural aristocracy

Answer 26

Natural aristocracy presided over society like a father did over his family - the social elite provides leadership because of its innate or hereditary abilities just as a father exercises authority, ensures protection and provides guidance - these skills or talents cannot be obtained by hard work or self improvement . Those at top of society have duty care for lower social ranks. E.g. Tentants improved material conditions for tenants and employees by involving themselves in charitable and philanthropic works

Question 27

What was disraelis one nation conservatism

Answer 27

Disraeli was a conservative PM in his novels coningsby (1844) and sybil (1845) he warned that britain was dividing into two nations rich and poor and this could lead to a social revolution and the situation could be averted only by the privileged in society recognising their social obligation and duty to look after the less fortunate. His paternalism blended with self interest with principle, and passed some social reforms.

Question 28

Why did disraeli urge the privileged in society to recognise their duties and obligations to the less well off, nobless oblige?

Answer 28

He warned that Britain was dividing into two nations rich and poor and this could lead to a social revolution and the situation could be averted only by the privileged in society recognising their social obligation and duty to look after the less fortunate.

Question 29

Harol macmillian middle way conservatism

Answer 29

By mid 20th c one nation added a middle way economic approach and social reform in its pursuit of paternalistic polices. The moderate UK con govt steered a central course between free market economics and state planning on the grounds that the former led to social fragmentation and failed to protect the people while the latter stiffield individual initiative and entrepreneurial flair

Question 30

Example of a paternalistic policy

Answer 30

David Cameron “compassionate conservatism” 0.7% GDP foreign aid Covid- 19 furlough scheme, extension of free school meals in holidays, limits on personal freedoms Neo-liberalism - rejects the idea of paternalism and aims to reduce the size of the state so that the unregulated market can generate a more dynamic and efficient economy leading to increased growth and prosperity

Question 31

What is libertarianism?

Answer 31

A political philosphy that emphasises the rights of individuals to liberty, advocates only minimal state intervention in the lives of citizens, primary role of the state is to protect individual rights and maximum economic freedom and minimal government regulation in social affairs - rival to paternalism core value

Question 32

What is libertarianism?

Question 33

Why does libertarianism reject paternalism?

Answer 33

rejects the idea of paternalism and aims to reduce the size of the state so that the unregulated market can generate a more dynamic and efficient economy leading to increased growth and prosperity

Question 34

Why did BURKE advocate the free market

Answer 34

Burke advocated free market economy because such arrangements were efficient, just and natural (due to human desire for wealth). For conservatives the operation of the capitalist free market represented a natural law that could not be altered without damaging prosperity and working conditions

Question 35

What is libertarianism conservatism more commonly known as

Answer 35

The liberal new right or Neo-liberalism - associated with Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. This rejects state intervention and champions free market ecnomy opposing Keynesian style demand managemeng and welfare programmes. The free market is the only mechanism that can efficiently supply goods and services on the basis of consumer demand

Question 36

What is supply side economics and why do libertairans encourage this

Answer 36

Governments should focus on the supply side to create the conditions to facilitate the highest possible levels of production - producers access key economic (capital/labour/land) has to be unrestricted so obstacles such as government regulation, high taxation and trade union influence over workers must be removed

Question 37

Why do libertarians object state welfare schemes

Answer 37

Personal freedom can only be guaranteed by rolling back the state, particularly social welfare programmes. Their objection to state welfare is partly economic (public services are inefficient and increasingly expensive, placing greater burdens on taxpayers) and partly moral ( redistribution of wealth is a form of state robbery and also creates a dependcy culture and erodes parental financial responsibility for children

Question 38

Which uk and us leaders are associated with neo liberal ideas

Answer 38

Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan

Question 39

Neo liberal view on HN?

Question 40

Neo liberal view of rationalism

Question 41

Neo liberal view on individual righst

Question 42

Neo liberal views on society

Question 43

Neo liberal view on state

Question 44

Neo liberal view on moral issues

Question 45

Neo liberal view on moralism

Question 46

What are the three strands of conservatism?

Answer 46

Traditional One nation New Right

Question 47

What is tradtional conservatism?

Answer 47

Traditonal conservatism

Question 48

When did traditonal conservatism emerge?

Answer 48

Emerged in the 18thc as a reaction to the enlightment and the french revolution

Question 49

Traditional conservatism views about society

Answer 49

Society is a living or organic entity w complex interconnecttions and relationships and it must evolve naturally at its own speed through small pragmatic changes to minmise harmful consquences

Question 50

Traditional conservatism views about hierarchy

Answer 50

People do not have the same abilities, talents and energies so its natural that society should represented in a hierarchy and because different people have to do a different job

Question 51

Traditional cons view about nobless oblige

Answer 51

Nobleess oblige is a french phrase rgar ebcapsulates the ideas that nobility and privellege bring with them social resposibilities notably duty and obligation to care for those less fortunate Soft paternalism = since other groups within organic society accpet and thus give consnet that teh naturaly leaders are uniquely equipped to act in the best interrest

Question 52

Traditional cons belief about inequality

Answer 52

They believe in inequality as people have different roles in society

Question 53

Traditional cons view on human nature

Answer 53

Traditional conservatives believe in 'soft' paternalism, where those below accept that the natural leaders of society are those best equipped to act in everyone's best interests. They believe in noblesse oblige, the duty of the aristocracy to care for the less fortunate in society. A: Traditional conservatives believe human nature is flawed, irrational, and driven by base instincts like desire for power and self-interest. People are morally imperfect and need guidance. Left unchecked, humans cause chaos — hence, a strong authority is required to control and channel behaviour. Change is risky due to these flaws.

Question 54

Traditional conservatives viw on society

Answer 54

Organic society - Traditional conservatives view society as naturally hierarchical. They believe that people should be rewarded differently in pay and status depending on their position in the hierarchy. They also support the concept of the organic society. Changes to one part of society will affect the rest of society and so gradual change is preferred over radical change For traditional conservatives, reform to society must be pragmatic and learn from past lessons to ensure practical solutions are established.

Question 55

Traditional views on state

Answer 55

Traditional conservatism sees the state as a defender of the established order and hierarchy. It supports the idea of an organic society and believes that humans should not attempt to reform society in a principled or ideological manner. Instead, reform should be pragmatic to prevent societal breakdown.

Question 56

Traditional view on economy

Question 57

One nation conservatisms

Answer 57

An updated version of traditional emerged in response to the development of laissez faire capitalism and the industrlisation in the 19thc One nation conservatism is a paternalistic form of British political conservatism.

Question 58

When did one nation emerge

Question 59

What changes took place during industrial revolution?

Answer 59

Factories became mehcanised and industrliaised with people creating and working in factories rather than in their homes as they previously were

Question 60

Founders of one nation?

Answer 60

Benjamin Disraeli conservative prime minister in 1868 and from 1874-1880 regarded as founder of one nation conservatism - he felt that capitalism encouraged self-interested individualism that undermined the idea of social responsibility.

Question 61

Idea of britain being two nations

Answer 61

Growing industrialization led to the concern of Britian being divided dinto two nations (The rich and the poor) and that this was destabalise society, sharpen class conflict and possibly lead to a revolution

Question 62

Three key parts of disraelis one nation

Question 63

One nation maintence of traditional instituions

Question 64

One nation support for imperalism

Question 65

One nation Social and other reforms for working class

Question 66

One nation view on HM

Answer 66

: One-Nation conservatives agree with traditional conservatives that humans are flawed, but they have a more optimistic tone. They believe with the right paternalistic leadership and institutions, people can behave responsibly. This view supports reform to avoid social breakdown.

Question 67

One nation view on Society

Answer 67

One-Nation conservatives also support an organic society, but with more responsibility from the elite. They believe in paternalism — the wealthy and powerful have a duty to care for the less fortunate ("noblesse oblige"). This maintains national unity and prevents class conflict.

Question 68

One nation view on economy

Answer 68

The state should act pragmatically to preserve the nation. One-Nation conservatives accept a more active state role in addressing inequality and maintaining stability. Reform is justified to prevent revolution. The state is a unifying force and a paternalistic guardian.

Question 69

New right

Answer 69

They support a mixed economy — capitalism with some state intervention. They favour moderate redistribution, welfare programs, and public services to reduce poverty and prevent social unrest. Inspired by Keynesian economics after WWII.

Question 70

New right

Answer 70

From the mid 1970s as a rival to one nation conservatism

Question 71

Two strands of new right

Answer 71

Neo liberal New conservatives

Question 72

What is neo liberalism?

Answer 72

Is a modernised version of classical liberalism, based on a commitment to the free- market economy, the minimal state and individual freedom and responsibility

Question 73

What were neo liberal economic ideas a response to?

Answer 73

By the 1970s, economic state management, based on the ideas of John Maynard Keynes was beginning to fail in both USA and Uk A mixture of high inflation, low economic growth (stagflation) plus high unemployment plagued Europe and America

Question 74

Key ideas of neo liberals?

Answer 74

A minimal state, Self- reliant individuals capable of making rational decisions in their own interests, The rejection of collectivism, The elimination of government intervention

Question 75

Neo conservatism

Answer 75

An updated form of traditonal conservative social thinking based on committment to order, traditional values and public morality Can be seen as a mild type of authoritarianism, Also called the conservative New Right

Question 76

What were neo conservayive social ideas a response to?

Answer 76

Was a reaction to the reforms, ideas and permissive attitudes of the so-called “liberal” 1960s For neo- conservatives, these unwelcome changes threatened society with social fragmentation, which could only be stopped by strong political leadership and authority.

Question 77

Neo conservative social ideas?

Answer 77

Neo-conservatives: Focus on the need to uphold social order and protect public morality. Believe that since the 1960s authority and respect have declined in Western nations, leading to higher crime figures and increased rates of anti- social behaviour, Argue for the re-imposition of authority and discipline at every level of society, to restore the authority of traditional social structures such as the family, Promotes the “strong state” or state authoritarianism,

Question 78

NL View on HM

Answer 78

Neo liberals adopt atomistic individualism maintaining that human beings can be self reliant and rational in their decision making

Question 79

NLView on society

Answer 79

Neo liberal reject assumptions of underpinning the organic society such as natural hierarchy and paternalism and instead view society as composed of independent and rational individuals opearing within a free market Based on individualism Atomistic society

Question 80

NL View on state

Answer 80

Neo liberals call for rolling back of the state on the grounds that state intervention stifles economic initiative

Question 81

NL View on economy

Answer 81

All favour enterpirse but neo liberals argue for a reduced states role in the economy and call for a free market economy on the grounds that it is the best mechanism to meet consumer demand maxmise the use of resources and generate prosperity strongly support the free market, low taxes, deregulation, and privatisation. They reject state interference and welfare dependency. The market is the most efficient way to allocate resources and promote freedom.

Question 82

NCView on hm

Answer 82

Pessmisic view are more sceptical — they believe humans need strong moral guidance and authority to avoid moral decay. They are more pessimistic, especially regarding social behaviour

Question 83

NC View on society

Answer 83

value a strong national identity, shared morality, and traditional institutions like the nuclear family. They see social cohesion breaking down due to liberal values, and want to restore discipline and tradition.

Question 84

NC View on state

Answer 84

Neo conservaties agree that the states role in the economy needs to be reduced and call for a strong state (police powers, tougher punishments and anti permissice policies) to combat crime, anti social behaviour and permissive attitudes

Question 85

View on economy

Answer 85

All favour enterpirse but neo conservatives argue for a reduced states role in the economy accept capitalism but are less focused on the economy — their concern lies more with maintaining social order and national values.