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Conservatism - Coggle Diagram
Conservatism
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Organic Society - society is an organism that develops over time "to reflect the past, consider the present and meet the needs of future generations" - Burke
Because society functions like an organism, all parts must work in harmony to ensure social cohesion, atomism must be avoided (Neo-liberals differ)
Traditional institutions play a key role in preserving the health of society and state, meeting the need for security
Because humans vary in terms of intellect and skills, and different classes have different roles, hierarchy is needed
Authority should be paternal as it provides us with direction and security, or where people fit in
Paternalism; the most advantaged (financial or status) have the greatest social responsibilities, so economic inequality is justified
Human Nature / Imperfection- conservatives view humans as flawed, unchanging and incapable of achieving perfection, as such it must be reined in, since humans are independent and insecure they can only exist in an organic state
Psychological; as flawed and dependent, we seek familiarity and social order rather than liberty
Moral; as we are naturally selfish, a tough law and order system is the only deterrent for such imperfection
Intellectual; we lack the intellect and reasoning to understand the world, so Conservatives reject theories that explain or predict human development, relying on pragmatism and tradition
Due to human imperfection, the state needs tough law and order, a hierarchical society providing predictability and security, and a Capitalist economy as humans are self-interested
Pragmatism & Tradition
Pragmatism - rejecting ideology and theory in favour of practical experience and "what works", implying a flexible approach to decision making
Considers the best interests of the people, social stability and cohesion, according to Burke "Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other"
Human Nature; because humans lack the intellectual ability to fully understand the world, theories that claim to improve human life are destabilising
Society; abstract ideas such as "equality" and "rights" are dangerous because they can lead to radical change that produces worse conditions
The State; a pragmatic approach that emphasis caution and moderation in introducing necessary change / reform
The Economy; the One-nation view of adopting a pragmatic "middle way" economic policy that combines market competition with regulation, creating private sector wealth and funding for state welfare provision
Traditional Conservatives such as Burke argue that pragmatism enables society to adapt organically through moderate reform as opposed to revolution, with the aim being to conserve life, liberty and property
Tradition - the institutions, customs and beliefs developed over time
Human Nature; provides humans who are weak and security seeking with the social framework to make sense of society and their place within it
Society; long established institutions and customs give a sense of identity and provide social cohesion
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The Economy; Capitalism has endured because it's efficient and should be maintained unless it undermines other Conservative values
Neoliberalism and Neoconservatism - took precedent in the 1970's, due to the failure of the liberal 1960's
Neoliberalism
The Free Market is the only efficient mechanism, government intervention only creates problems such as inflation, monopolies by the use of supply side policies, low taxation and privatisation
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individuals are rational, self interested and self sufficient, with individual freedoms only safeguarded by rolling back the state to avoid collectivism
Neoconservatism
the liberal 1960's undermined social order which could only be safeguarded by strong authority and reintroducing discipline / hierarchy
Traditional values such as as respect for authority and hard work have to be upheld to maintain social cohesion (the 1970's had a tougher stance on law and order)
The permissive "anything goes culture" threatens social cohesion and one's place in society, threatening an immoral lifestyle