Has Conservatism been more concerned with social stability or economic freedom?

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Has Conservatism been more concerned with social stability or economic freedom?

        

        Traditionally Conservatism has generally focussed on both social stability and economic freedom, believing that the two are inherently intertwined.

The central theme of Conservative thought, namely “the desire to conserve”, is closely linked to the emphasis placed on respect for tradition, established customs and institutions that have endured the “test of time”. Conservatives fervently believe that tradition reflects the accumulated wisdom of the past, and that institutions and customs which have been tested by time, should all be preserved for the benefit of the living and for those still to come. In this way, tradition is believed to have the virtue of promoting stability and security within society as it provides individuals with a sense of social and historical belonging.  This is underpinned by the conservative’s pessimistic view of human nature, believing humans to be naturally dependent and security-seeking creatures, drawn to the familiar and desiring to live in safe and orderly communities.

Conservatives have traditionally viewed society as an organic whole or a living entity whose parts work together in the same fashion the brain, heart and lungs do in a human body. If society is organic, its various institutions have been shaped by natural necessity and forces so as to provide security and social cohesion. Any attempts to alter this structure are thus fraught with danger as reform or change may lead to the collapse of society. Conservatives have therefore been suspicious of change and have generally adopted a pragmatic approach believing in change only where it is absolutely necessary. However, as expressed by Burke, societies without the means to change lack the means to conserve. They have therefore been forced to accept minor change over the years. The issue of Devolution largely illustrates Peel’s belief in “reform in order to preserve”. While Devolution was strongly opposed by Thatcher, who advocated centralisation of power and the conservation of the United Kingdom, under Hague and Duncan Smith, the Conservative party was obliged to accept Devolution owing to a growing feeling of nationalism in Wales and Scotland and resentment of Whitehall centralisation. Rather than face these areas moving towards full independence, the Conservatives thought it wise to accept Devolution as a compromise and as a way of preserving social stability within a united Britain.  

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 Owing to their negative belief that humans are morally corrupt and crave “power after power” according to Thomas Hobbes, Conservatives have traditionally supported tough law and order policies to ensure social stability. They believe that crime is a consequence of basic human instinct and appetite, rather than a product of social inequality or disadvantage. The maintenance of order and stability in society therefore requires a strong state and the enforcement of strict laws backed up with the knowledge that harsh punishments will ensue.  The Conservative party’s emphasis on custodial punishments and long prison sentences largely reflects this view and ...

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