What is Conservatism? It is the policy of looking to traditional practices and institutions for answers to the problems of society. Traditionally, conservatism referred to people who wished to 'conserve' traditional values and institutions (Sidlow, 2013, p.16). Conservatism accepts change slowly and values the traditional norm.
Conservatives, ideology places the values on status quo. They have difficulties accepting changes, and believe that change should be taking at a slow pace. They believe that human institutions are the product of a gradual process of experience. Conservatives believe slow changes would be more effective over a long period of time. time. They believe changing institutions and practices would affect the would affect the underlying structure. Conservatives be that it is not realistic to expect that that changes in institutions and practices would replace the existing without causing chaos.
Conservatism was a political and social movement, it embraced tradition and any change that came about was minimal. “Conservatives detested attempts to transform society according to a theoretical model. They considered human nature too intricate and social relations too complex for such social engineers,” (Perry, pg 532). As the world continued to advance in science and religious and human views, conservatives were unwilling to recognize the need for fundamental changes, especially those changes that affected tradition, faith and natural law. The reluctance towards changes in society was an oppos...
Modern Liberalism in contrast to conservatism runs on a basis of federal government regulations and imposed legislation that guarantees and protect equality especially of historically and systemically marginalized group such a women, the poor, and people of color. Liberalism favors a more active federal government that ha vested interest in the welfare of its citizens. Though there are differing stances on the role and extent to which federal taxes should fund programs such as welfare, postsecondary education, and health care within liberalism the vast majority agree that the majority of taxes used to fund such programs should come from the wealthiest class of Americans and otherwise only those who could afford it. Unlike conservatives liberal agendas oppose school lead prayer and demand clearly defined separation of church and state. This defined separation is a preventative measure as the Christian majority would most likely have disproportionate influence and impose law and regulation most closely resembling their religious beliefs thus impeding the non-Christian minorities’ first amendment right to freedom of religion. Largely liberals support the efforts of government agencies like the EPA who fight against man made climate change and environmental disasters through the regulation of industrial polluters and implementing individual laws. The common liberal stance on abortion is one that is pro-choice similar to libertarians majority of liberals oppose the government 's regulation of individual autonomy. Finally amongst the defining features of a modern liberal is the belief that the constitution was written as a purposefully vague outline meant only to guide the American government open to interpretation and is subject to changes as society
Conservative and liberal have different beliefs on most everything. At the most basic level liberals are considered to be open to change while conservatives hold traditional views and prefer the status quo. These differences in base beliefs have an enormous effect on their ideas of the role of government. Liberals believe that the government should provide for and help people. By providing for the people they believe that it will create a level of equality between all classes. Liberals also believe that it is the government’s job to be involved in the nation’s social problems and guide change. For liberals it all culminates in the belief for a larger, more involved government. Conservatives on the other hand believe in a government that focuses on people’s individual responsibility and freedom. By doing so they believe that people will work to better themselves and provide for themselves. Conservatives also believe in a limed government that only provides basic functions for the people. For conservatives it all culminates in the principle of a smaller, less involved government. The basic large versus small government mentality is evident in many of the differencing views of
“We define politics as activity related to influencing, making, or implementing collective decisions for a political community”, where as ideologies “ is a package of interrelated ideas and beliefs about government, society, the economy, and human nature that inspire and affect political action (David Close, & Osvaldo Croci, Eric Mintz, 2015, pg 4, pg 55). The different perspectives of each ideology are imperative to the inner workings of global governmental styles. They help in solidifying and justifying certain perspectives of power and influence, while also limiting beliefs and values that are contrary to the “norm”. They also help differentiate and explain key values, rights, freedoms, and moralities of citizens of the world (Close et
Conservatives, like Burke and Tocqueville, believe strongly in the principle of variety within a society. In order for a civil society to thrive, a healthy degree of diversity must be maintained; orders and classes should be found within the system as well as differences in lifestyles and many other types of economic inequalities. Conservatives held that the only true form of equality that existed could be found before god and in a court of law; any other attempts at levelling contribute directly to social stagnation, or worse. Society demands honesty and a certain degree of capability from its leaders; and if the natural order or institution of society is trifled with, inequality will find a way to rear its head again through a new leader(s).
The most important value of conservatism was the role of government. Those interested in conservatism were the financially elite alongside the white middle class who felt that the government only benefitted minorities and the poor. Reducing government control pleased many of the Americans who worried that people were just abusing the system. Even those who had once been in favor of social programs changed their thoughts believing that social programs “not only failed to alleviate poverty but also encouraged single motherhood and undermined the work ethic.” (GML1025) ...
This topic is perfect for research due to the different views there is on Conservatism, especially whether it is an ideology. I personally believe Conservatism is an ideology, in the sense that they have consistent views on social values. These shared conservative social values will be the main topic of this essay and how I believe they have no
The Conservative Party, sometimes called the Christian Democrat party, is a center-right political party that strives to maintain individual rights and prevent an excess of federal government influence in everyday life. In addition, conservatives encourage tax cuts to stimulate the economy and advance individual economic freedom (Britannica) . Conservatives typically have traditional values, and believe that these values should be honored in politics. Additionally, Conservatives support cuts to public health benefits and welfare programs. The Conservative Agenda is in favor of laissez-faire and free enterprise.