Conservatism and inequality
A main component of the conservative train of thought places an emphasis on the natural hierarchy of society and preservation of the status quo in the name of keeping order. If inequality exists in a society, it is because it has naturally arisen, and in the interests of preserving order, the institutions that allow this inequality to exists must not be radically changed. Conservatives believe that states should be the actors in social and political reform, and if there is to be a reformation pertaining to social status, it should be examined in the context of how it will effect the society or nation as a whole. This is most evident by examining how conservatives confront the two chief disparities in society: social inequality (racism and feminism) and economic inequality. In the former case, preservation of the natural roles that have been formed, likewise of the natural kinship one feels with the dominant culture under his nation-state becomes an excuse for the aversion of civil parity. In the latter, necessary order is secured by the gap between the impoverished and the wealthy. Conservatives have traditionally stressed the importance of the notion that we as individuals are always part of a bigger unity, from family, t
Just as groups organically form and operate different tasks in society, the same exists in the working world. It is not even the government's job to encourage racial harmony, as it is primarily concerned with promoting harmony between an individual and the group of which he is a part, not mediating moral conflicts between separate groups. As unity is requisite for stability, foreigners and outsiders may be threats to national cohesion. This division of labour is crucial to conservatives, not only because it is the status quo in virtually every region in the world and thus must not be reformed, but because it has "developed out of natural necessity and reflects natural patterns and forces. As all political ideologies, conservatism is concerned with the economic status of its citizens, and its views here are interrelated with those outline above in adherence to tradition, group orientation, and the inevability and thus nurturing of hierarchy. Also, conservatives have come to accept government intervention in the economy and made a "shift towards a more managerial and pragmatic kind of conservatism" as after the war, the welfare state was instituted, "along with a commitment to maintaining full employment through the use of Keynesian methods of demand management. Inequality here is justified by the fact that through the upper class may be better off, they (ideally) are shouldering more responsibility. Indeed, he said "Those who attempt to level, never equalize", and though he did believe "there must be ways for individuals of the lower station to rise to higher. Conservatives view the past as a reflection of the limits and possibilities of the future. If change in one's lot is to come about, it should be through that individual's attempt to rise in his particular group, or through religion, through which many encouragements are made. The natural hierarchy created in each group will always exist, never removed by law. In the case of the family, paternalism has inherently been imposed, as the male has taken the responsibility of earning wages, taking care of the family, and dealing with social and political problems while the female keeps the house and brings up the children. such a rise must not be too easy" and "rare merit" is not substantial enough to warrant an abandonment of the protective guidance of the state.
Common topics in this essay:
French Revolution,
Book Genesis,
,
Edmund Burke,
inequality exists,
property conservatives,
unity family,
economic inequality,
status quo,
societal stability,
social political,
natural hierarchy,
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Acceptance Essays
