One-Nation Conservatism

Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 5.2.2

One-nation conservatism emerged in the UK as a result of capitalism and the Industrial Revolution.

One-nation conservatism is the belief that government should support all sections of society.
The Conservative Party changed to make sure that they remained in power by appealing to working-class voters across the UK, rather than only appealing to and taking care of the interests of the landed, wealthy elite.
One-nation conservatism is centred around the ideas of noblesse oblige (privilege entails responsibility), change to conserve, and supporting the working classes.

Noblesse oblige is a French term which is taken to mean the obligation the rich, well-off and high-status people in society have to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Noblesse oblige is closely associated with one nation conservatism and in the present day with ‘compassionate conservatism’.
It is the idea that people of these high social positions should use the power that they have from these positions to help others.

Conservatives believe in hierarchy and natural inequalities - and so there will always be people of a higher status and people of a lower status.
People of a high status have an obligation to help others.
Noblesse oblige reinforces the idea that there should be a ruling elite.

David Cameron promised to scrap taxes for people earning the minimum wage in 2014.
This is an example of the privileged in society (leadership, members of parliament) using their power to help the poorest in society.

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