This paper critically examines the modern day phenomenon of Ideological Conservatism in accordance with the Conservatory Party of the United Kingdom. It does so by performing a cross reference between classical conservatism as proposed by Thomas Hobbes, with the present state of the party’s ideology. This process takes into account the historical, social, economic and political evolution of the ideology itself in a post French Revolutionary context, and how this has provided the foundation upon which modern day Neo-Conservatism is built.
Table of Contents
Introduction
CHAPTER I: ‘New Right Politics’ of the UK Conservative Party against traditional conservatism
Principles of classical conservatism
i) Attitudes towards society
ii) Political practices
iii) The idea of Government
The presence of different ideological factions that go against traditional conservatism in the UK Party
i) Forms of Government (Unionism)
ii) One Nation Conservatives
iii) The emergence of economic liberalism
iv) The inclusion of neo-liberalism in the UK Party agenda
CHAPTER II: The UK Conservative Party represents the evolution of Conservatism
The mandate of the UK Conservative Party
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to analyze the ideological transformation of the UK Conservative Party by examining how the introduction of "New Right" politics and economic liberalism compares with the party’s historical foundations in classical conservatism.
- The evolution of conservative ideology from tradition to modern neoliberalism.
- The internal ideological friction between traditional conservative values and market-oriented policies.
- The impact of "New Right" politics on the structural and social framework of the UK Conservative Party.
- An evaluation of whether the contemporary Conservative Party retains its essential conservative nature despite policy shifts.
Excerpt from the Book
Principles of classical conservatism
According to Heywood (1998), the character of conservative ideology has been the source of particular argument and debate (Heywood, 1998). And rightly so, as since its birth in the French revolution, there have been a lot of social and ideological changes influenced by various political and philosophical thinkers. Conservatism can be understood in three main parts: An attitude towards society, and idea of government and a political practice.
i) Attitudes towards society
For Heywood (1998), conservative’s attitude towards society reflects in their central belief in tradition, beliefs about human imperfection and beliefs in an organic society.
For many conservatives, the idea of change is one that is most un welcoming and they have argued against such on many grounds. This defence of tradition has become a central theme for conservatism in that they have placed extreme value on preserving traditional customs and institutions in society. This is in contrast to the liberal ideological way of thinking which is that such institutions such not be evaluated based on how long they have survived, but according to how effective they are in service to the community. This belief in the preservation of tradition stems from Burke, who argued that such things as monarchy, was created by God. And therefore, being the work of God, should not be damned by human social constructions, but indeed persevered as a part of society.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the historical context of the 1975 political unrest and introduces the emergence of "New Right" ideology within the Conservative Party.
CHAPTER I: ‘New Right Politics’ of the UK Conservative Party against traditional conservatism: Examines the theoretical foundations of classical conservatism and identifies the various ideological factions that have challenged these traditional roots.
CHAPTER II: The UK Conservative Party represents the evolution of Conservatism: Analyzes the party's current mandate to demonstrate how, despite economic shifts, the party maintains core conservative characteristics.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that while the ideological reality has shifted, the party remains fundamentally conservative in its commitment to social order and authority.
Keywords
Conservative Party, New Right, Classical Conservatism, Thatcherism, Economic Liberalism, Unionism, One Nation Conservatives, Ideology, Political Tradition, British Politics, Social Order, Neoliberalism, Government Mandate, David Cameron, Political Evolution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work investigates the extent to which the modern UK Conservative Party remains conservative given the introduction of liberal economic policies and "New Right" politics.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The paper covers the origins of classical conservatism, the impact of Thatcherism, the role of internal ideological factions, and the contemporary economic mandates of the party.
What is the primary research goal?
The objective is to determine if the hybridization of the party with neoliberal ideals has fundamentally altered its core identity or if it still represents an evolution of original conservative principles.
Which methodology is employed?
The author uses a comparative analysis, contrasting tenets of classical conservative theory with the modern political practices and mandates of the UK Conservative Party.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body details the historical shift from traditional social values to market-based policies and evaluates specific factions like Unionism and One Nation Conservatism.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key concepts include the "New Right," political ideology, Thatcherism, traditionalism, and the structural evolution of the Conservative Party.
How does the author define the "New Right" in this context?
The "New Right" is defined as a shift toward classical liberal economics and free-market ideas, famously associated with Margaret Thatcher's leadership.
What is the author's final conclusion regarding the Tory party?
The author concludes that while the ideological reality has changed, the party has not abandoned its traditional focus on order, authority, and discipline, suggesting it remains conservative in nature.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kavoy Ashley (Autor:in), 2014, Deconstructing Traditional Politics. Is the UK Tory Party Still Conservative?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/285681
