Strands of Conservatism 10.2

Question 1

Traditional Conservatism

Answer 1

a reaction to the French Revolution and removal of the French monarchy
oldest but least significant form
closely associated with Hobbes & Burke

Question 2

Traditional Conservatism & State

Answer 2

should be strong but limited, protecting traditional institutions
limited state intervention - focus on national security and stability
organic state, so is naturally unequal - hierarchy

Question 3

Traditional Conservatism & Society

Answer 3

society - a living organism of which all parts are connected
the ruling has an obligation to help the less fortunate
changes to one party of society affects all others

Question 4

Traditional Conservatism & Human Nature

Answer 4

belief that humans are imperfect by nature so need a strong governing authority
reform therefore must be pragmatic

Question 5

Traditional Conservatism & Economy

Answer 5

laissez-faire approach to economics
limited state intervention in a free market

Question 6

One Nation Conservatism

Answer 6

reaction to mass industrialisation which led to calls for social change and a risk of revolution
second oldest strand
created by Benjamin Disraeli, 1874-1880 term
somewhat linked with Oakeshott

Question 7

One Nation Conservatism & State

Answer 7

greater focus on a welfare state, minimum standards of living and a protection of structure from the state
state has a large role to play in an organic society
a government in the interest of all, to ensure social order and contentment

Question 8

One Nation Conservatism & Society

Answer 8

still an essential ruling elite, but a much larger role for noblesse oblige - AKA Compassionate Conservatism
associated with David Cameron (‘scrap taxes for those on min wage 2014’) and Harold Macmillan
must be protected by the state

Question 9

One Nation Conservatism & Human Nature

Answer 9

belief that human nature is inherently flawed, so gradual reform is essential
(some social reforms, however, are essential)

Question 10

One Nation Conservatism & Economy

Answer 10

emphasis on some regulation and planning in the economy
cannot be completely free market
More Keynesian economics than classicist
government intervention = necessary to preserve values / institutions

Question 11

New Right Conservatism

Answer 11

reaction to the failure of Keynesian economic policies during the time, intended as a reversal of 1960s attitudes
‘economic liberalism, social conservatism’
newest form of conservatism
closely associated with Rand & Nozick

Question 12

New Right Conservatism & State

Answer 12

must be minimalist, very little intervention
recognises some need for paternalism but believes that state welfare makes individuals dependent
belief in no social contracts
independency > meritocracy

Question 13

New Right Conservatism & Society

Answer 13

promotes atomistic society with strong traditional values
belief that organic society limits ability of humans to reach full potential
neo-liberalism = atomistic society, where rights of individuals > whole society
neo-conservatism = maintain organic society by modernising traditional conservatism

Question 14

New Right Conservatism & Human Nature

Answer 14

belief that humans are not wholly imperfect - human nature is fundamentally rational, altruistic, and capable of self improvement
but admit that humans aren’t naturally moral or hardworking: hence strong law + order needed

Question 15

New Right Conservatism & Economy

Answer 15

promotes free market, with practically no state intervention
(eg Thatcher deregulated stock market)

Question 16

Agreements in State

Answer 16

ruling elite = best placed to govern
changes to state - incremental, change to conserve model
taxation = used to fund paternalistic state intervention
state should allow and protect private property ownership

Question 17

Agreements in Society

Answer 17

society = organic, made up of interconnected principles
change should never be radical
humans need order and structure of society

Question 18

Agreements in Human Nature

Answer 18

humans need pragmatism > abstract ideology
humans are hierarchical by nature, driven by human imperfection
pessimistic views of human nature
(variations between strands on the level of pessimism)

Question 19

Agreements in Economy

Answer 19

general agreement that taxation = used to fund government intervention
state should defend all private ownership
minimalist state intervention in the economy
belief in capitalism and free market economics
(disagreements between role / imposition of tax)