Traditional Conservatism
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 5.2.1
Traditional Conservatism
Traditional conservatism is the oldest form of conservatism but is less significant than one-nation and new right conservatism.
Hierarchy and paternalism
- The main ideas of traditional conservatism are hierarchy and paternalism.
- The paternalism of traditional conservatism is more authoritarian.
- Paternalistic and hierarchical ideas of traditional conservatism evolved into one-nation ideas of the noblesse oblige.
- Traditional conservatism believes society is naturally hierarchical and based on inequalities.
Society
- For traditional conservatives, society is a living entity with complex relationships.
- Changes to one part of society will affect the rest of society and so gradual change is preferred over radical change
- For traditional conservatives, reform to society must be pragmatic and learn from past lessons to ensure practical solutions are established.
Test yourself on Traditional Conservatism
Which of these statements are true about traditional conservatism?
Which is the most recent form of conservatism?