Therefore, the purpose of this text, is not to agree or disagree with Social Conservatism, but to investigate whether this new brand of Conservatism is a little too far to the left to be branded ‘conservative’.
Many policies, particularly on the social level, have been changed by the ‘Cameron Revolution’. In more ways than one, Cameron’s policies are more akin to liberal policies than those of traditional conservatives. However, one can understand why Cameron has done this. Many people traditionally see the Tories as harsh, middle class people, against working class ideals. This is true if one looks at the traditional wing of the Party. However, Cameron, in accordance with his progression, has tried to appeal to a broader cross-section of society. This fact, and the fact that there is increased social mobility, suggests that this is a vote winner. More and more people now vote Conservative, or are willing to, simply because less regard them as the ‘Nasty Party’.
However, one can suggest that the Conservative label does not mean the party adheres to ‘conservative’ ideals. This is true, for a socialist can create a party and call themselves the Conservative Party, yet they would not have ‘conservative’ ideals. Again, traditional conservatism espouses harsher penalties on criminals, harsher immigration laws, and generally has a more pessimistic outlook towards human nature than most other ideologies. Social Conservatism, however, suggests that humans are generally good, and this is reflected within their social policies. Social Conservatism suggests that the perpetrators of crime should not be punished as severely as traditional conservative values would suggest, but should be rehabilitated and there should be a greater understanding of why people commit crime. This is a liberal view, if any, and since liberalism takes a positive view of human nature as the norm, one can logically link this back, to Social Conservatism.
Essentially, this shift to the left, and this escape from traditional Tory values can be seen in a real world example, the (traditional) Conservative member shift to more right-wing parties, such as the British National Party.
Recently we have seen disillusioned Tories, appalled by David Cameron, coming over to us. They see we have made an effort to change and ditch the follies of the past. Officials and activists, not just members of the Tory party, are joining us. – Nick Griffin
The Conservatives in question are ‘appalled’ by Cameron, not because they dislike the man, but because of the continual shift to the left. Obviously, with such rapid change within the Conservative Party, there will be many who do not agree with Party lines anymore.
There will always be people who are uncomfortable with that process [regarding Cameron’s policy changes]. – William Hague
Obviously, if people from the Conservative party, who hold traditional conservative values are leaving the party, because they dislike the shift to the left, a grave question must be considered: if most within the Party no longer hold traditional conservative values, is the Conservative Party still ‘conservative’?
Therefore, one must put forth a conclusion. Without traditional conservatives within the Party, the Conservatives are no longer ‘conservative’. This is merely logic. However, because Social Conservatism is not necessarily conservative, this does not mean that every member in the Party is a Social Conservative. Therefore, as long as there remains a significant group, representing traditional conservative values within the Party, one could suggest that a portion of the Party is conservative. However, one must be careful, and realise that the whims of the current leadership do not necessarily reflect the values of all members. Hence, one cannot simply say that the Conservative Party is not conservative, if the leadership is not, because there are significant proportions of membership who still uphold Tory values. Without these members however, one could suggest that the Conservatives are no longer ‘conservative’.
In brief then, Social Conservatism is not ‘conservative’ for it sways too far to the left for it to represent traditional conservatism. Therefore, the leadership, and Cameron, are not ‘conservative’ yet one cannot apply that to all members of the Party, and hence, the Conservative Party are not wholly ‘conservative’ but there are a significant number of Tories who are ‘conservative’.
Lloyd Riley 11W 6th October 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2002/oct/08/uk.conservatives2002
http://www.stopthebnp.org.uk/index.php?location=news&art=536
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cameron