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Understanding Conservatism in A-Level Politics

May 3, 2025

Politics Explained: Conservatism in A-Level Politics

Overview

  • Presenter: Olle
  • Focus: Development, principles, tensions, and key thinkers related to conservatism in A-Level Politics.
  • Resources: Visit the Politics Explained website for resources, textbooks, essay plans.

Development of Conservatism

Strands of Conservatism

  1. Traditional Conservatism
    • Emerged in response to the French Revolution.
    • Emphasizes tradition, hierarchy, and gradual change.
    • Edmund Burke: Father of conservatism, opposed French Revolution.
  2. One Nation Conservatism
    • Emerged in response to industrialization and socialism.
    • Emphasizes paternalism, welfare, and national unity.
    • Benjamin Disraeli: Advocated for social reforms to prevent social unrest.
  3. The New Right
    • Reaction to perceived socialist influences; combines neoliberalism and neoconservatism.
    • Emphasizes free markets, individualism, and strong state security.
    • Key figures: Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan.

Key Principles of Conservatism

  • Pragmatism: Decision should be based on practical experience rather than ideology.
  • Tradition: Emphasizes accumulated wisdom of the past.
  • Human Imperfection: Humans are inherently flawed and require guidance.
  • Organic Society: Society develops naturally; change should be gradual.
  • Paternalism and Hierarchy: The upper classes should guide and govern with responsibility.
  • Capitalism and Property: Supported for its efficiency and role in maintaining societal hierarchy.

Tensions and Disagreements in Conservatism

  • Pragmatism vs. Ideology: The New Right is more ideologically driven than traditional conservatism.
  • Role of the State: Varies from minimal state intervention (New Right) to more intervention (One Nation).
  • Views on Human Nature: Traditional conservatism emphasizes human imperfection, whereas the New Right emphasizes rational self-interest.

Key Conservative Thinkers

  1. Thomas Hobbes
    • Preceded modern conservatism; supported strong state for order.
  2. Edmund Burke
    • Father of conservatism; emphasized tradition and gradual change.
  3. Benjamin Disraeli
    • One Nation conservative; focused on social reforms and national unity.
  4. Michael Oakeshott
    • Restated traditional conservatism in the 20th century; emphasized pragmatism.
  5. Ayn Rand
    • Neoliberal thinker; advocated for individualism and free markets.
  6. Robert Nozick
    • Neoliberal thinker; emphasized libertarianism and minimal state.

Study Tips

  • Focus on understanding key agreements and disagreements within conservatism.
  • Use examples of key thinkers to illustrate points.
  • Visit Politics Explained website for more resources and tailored tutoring support.

Full transcript