Differing Views & Tensions within Conservatism

Conservatism, as a political tradition in the United Kingdom, is far from a monolithic creed. Over the centuries it has evolved, adapted and, at times, contained significant internal disagreements. Central to an advanced understanding of conservatism within Politics is an appreciation of the differing views and tensions between its principal strands: traditional conservatism, one-nation conservatism, and the New Right, which itself is a synthesis of neo-liberal and neo-conservative thought.

Traditional Conservatism: Commitment to Hierarchical and Paternalistic Values

Traditional conservatism, rooted in the works of Edmund Burke and deeply influenced by reaction to the French Revolution, emphasises a commitment to hierarchy, authority, and social order. Traditional conservatives view society as essentially organic, evolving over time and composed of interdependent groups and institutions. They believe that inequality is natural and inevitable, reflecting the reality of human imperfection and the differing abilities and roles of individuals.

A key feature of traditional conservatism is paternalism, wherein those at the top of the social hierarchy have an obligation to care for those below them. This concept is encapsulated by the idea of noblesse oblige, the principle that privilege entails responsibility. The upper classes, therefore, are expected to govern in the interests of all, not merely themselves. Change is viewed with suspicion; conservatives favour evolutionary, not revolutionary, reform, seeking to preserve established traditions, customs, and institutions.

One-Nation Conservatism: The Updating of Traditional Conservatism

One-nation conservatism emerged as a pragmatic response to the upheavals of capitalism and industrialisation in the nineteenth century. Benjamin Disraeli, often regarded as its founder, feared that unchecked economic change would fragment society and threaten social cohesion. One-nation conservatives thus advocate a paternalistic form of government intervention, including moderate social welfare policies, to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, and to maintain the health of the nation as a whole.

Whilst remaining committed to hierarchy and authority, one-nation conservatism is more flexible than its traditional counterpart, accepting the need for pragmatic adaptation in response to social and economic changes. It is less dogmatic and more inclusive, aiming to prevent the emergence of ‘two nations’ divided by class and wealth. Thus, its paternalism serves the purpose of social cohesion, rather than simply maintaining privilege.

The New Right: Neo-Liberalism and Neo-Conservatism United

The New Right, which rose to prominence in the late twentieth century with figures such as Margaret Thatcher, represents a fusion of two distinct ideological currents: neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. This blend has both united and divided conservatives, creating significant tensions within the tradition.

Neo-Liberalism: Free-Market Economics and Atomistic Individualism

Neo-liberalism, influenced by thinkers such as Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, is primarily concerned with the primacy of the free market and the individual. Neo-liberals champion economic liberalisation, deregulation, privatisation, and a reduction in the role of the state. They are hostile to state intervention, seeing it as economically inefficient and a threat to individual liberty.

Their social vision is one of atomistic individualism; the belief that individuals are self-reliant and responsible for their own outcomes. This stands in contrast to the traditional conservative emphasis on hierarchy and organic society. Neo-liberals may thus be described as radical within the context of conservatism, since they advocate drastic changes to the post-war consensus and established institutions, placing the free market at the heart of society.

Neo-Conservatism: Social Order, Law and Morality

Neo-conservatism, by contrast, is principally concerned with the maintenance of social order and public morality. Neo-conservatives fear social fragmentation and the erosion of shared values, often blaming ‘permissive’ cultural trends for undermining authority and community. In response, they support robust law and order policies, a strong state to uphold moral standards, and a return to traditional values.

This perspective is explicitly anti-permissive, opposing trends towards greater tolerance of alternative lifestyles and behaviours. Neo-conservatives are prepared to use state power to defend what they see as the moral fabric of society, and in this sense, they represent a return to certain traditional conservative themes, albeit with a new emphasis on social discipline.

Tensions within Conservatism

The marriage of neo-liberal and neo-conservative ideas within the New Right has introduced enduring tensions within conservatism. Neo-liberalism’s emphasis on economic freedom and limited government can clash with neo-conservatism’s support for strong government in moral and social affairs. Similarly, both strands challenge the paternalistic and hierarchical values of traditional and one-nation conservatives, who are more comfortable with state intervention to preserve social harmony.

The result is that British conservatism today can be seen as a broad church, containing competing visions of society, the state, and the individual. Debate continues over the appropriate balance between free-market principles, moral authority, and social responsibility.

Key Terminology

Noblesse oblige: The idea that privilege entails responsibility, especially the duty of those with power or wealth to care for the less fortunate.

Anti-permissiveness: Opposition to tolerant or liberal attitudes towards behaviour and morality; associated particularly with neo-conservative thought.

Radical: Favouring or effecting fundamental or revolutionary changes, especially in the context of political or economic systems. In the context of conservatism, neo-liberals are sometimes considered radical due to their advocacy of dramatic economic reform.

Human imperfection: The conservative belief that humans are inherently flawed, morally and intellectually, necessitating strong institutions, law and order, and leadership to maintain social stability.

Summary

Conservatism in the UK is marked by a rich internal diversity, reflecting competing visions of hierarchy, authority, the market, and moral order. Understanding the differing views and tensions within conservatism is essential for anyone studying politics, as these divisions continue to shape political debate and policy in the twenty-first century.