Conservatism

Definition

Conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes traditional social values, limited government, free-market economics, and a cautious approach to change. It generally seeks to preserve existing institutions and practices, opposing radical reforms or rapid social transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conservatism values the preservation of traditional institutions, customs, and social hierarchies, often resisting rapid social change.
2. Conservatives typically support a limited role for government, advocating for free-market capitalism and individual liberty over state intervention.
3. Conservatism is often associated with a skepticism of progressive reforms and a preference for gradual, incremental change over radical transformation.
4. The modern conservative movement emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as a reaction to the French Revolution and the rise of liberalism.
5. Conservatism can take different forms, ranging from classical conservatism to neoconservatism, with varying emphases on social, economic, and foreign policy issues.

Review Questions

• Explain the key principles and values that underpin conservative political ideology.
  • Conservatism is centered on the preservation of traditional social, cultural, and political institutions, as well as a belief in limited government, free-market economics, and individual liberty. Conservatives often emphasize the importance of maintaining existing social hierarchies and practices, with a general skepticism towards rapid or radical change. They typically support a smaller role for the state, advocating for free-market capitalism and individual responsibility over extensive government intervention or social welfare programs.
• Describe how conservatism emerged as a political ideology and how it has evolved over time.
  • The modern conservative movement emerged in the late 18th and 19th centuries as a reaction to the French Revolution and the rise of liberal political thought. Early conservatives sought to preserve traditional social structures, religious institutions, and monarchical authority in the face of progressive reforms and revolutionary upheaval. Over time, conservatism has taken on different forms, ranging from classical conservatism to neoconservatism, with varying emphases on social, economic, and foreign policy issues. While the core principles of preserving tradition and limiting government power have remained, the specific policy positions and political strategies of conservatives have adapted to changing social and economic conditions.
• Analyze the relationship between conservatism and other political ideologies, such as liberalism and nationalism, and how these ideologies intersect and diverge.
  • Conservatism has a complex relationship with other political ideologies, both in terms of similarities and differences. Classical liberalism, with its emphasis on individual liberty and free-market capitalism, is often considered a precursor to modern conservatism, and the two ideologies share some common philosophical foundations. However, conservatism places a greater emphasis on the preservation of traditional social and cultural institutions, while liberalism is more oriented towards progressive reforms and rapid social change. Conservatism is also closely tied to nationalism, as the belief in promoting the interests of one's nation is often a key tenet of conservative movements. Yet, the relationship between conservatism and nationalism is not always straightforward, as some conservative thinkers have advocated for a more internationalist or globalist approach. Understanding these nuanced relationships between conservatism and other political ideologies is crucial for analyzing the complex landscape of modern politics.

Related terms

Classical Liberalism: A political ideology that emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, and free-market capitalism, often considered a precursor to modern conservatism.

Traditionalism: The belief in maintaining traditional social, cultural, and religious practices, which is a core tenet of conservative ideology.

Nationalism:

The belief in and promotion of the interests of one's nation, which is often associated with conservative political movements.