liberal v.s. conservatism
Liberalism and Conservatism are both mainstream ideologies in Canadian society. "The ideology of liberalism is the dominant belief system in Canada and the United States". (Gibbons and Youngman 26). There are two schools of Liberalism: Classical and Reform. Liberals have a tendency to favor change, faith in human reason,willingness to use government to improve the human condition and are more optimistic about human nature than Conservatives. Conservatives are interested in conserving something. Conservatism has the following characteristics: "A resistance to change,reverence for tradition and a distrust for human reason, rejection of the use of government to improve the human condition, and antiegalitarianism; distrust of human nature" (Sargent 104). There are also two branches of Conservatism: Classical and Individualist. Liberals and Conservatives have different views on human nature, equality and freedom, and the role of the state. Even though Liberalism and Conservatism are opposing
Individualist conservatives agree, but they have a different reason. This allows for a more expansive, and at times even authoritarian, role for the state than does the liberal watchdog conception" (Gibbons and Youngman 57). Classical liberals oppose an expanded welfare state because it infringes upon liberty. Conservatism favors order, and the belief that people do not possess the ability to greatly transform their position in society. They are concerned that the welfare state may lead to laziness and social breakdown. Reform Liberals would agree with Conservatives on this issue. They feel the public has the conscience to make the right choice on these issues. Conservatism and Liberalism differ greatly in regard to human nature. This falls from the assumption of self - interest. Society would not be where it is today if it were not for change. Everyone has the potential to become successful in life if there is a level playing field. Liberals believe that Government should be limited and should not intrude into moral arenas. Classical liberals believe that government should stay out of our private lives on matters such as abortion and certain magazines. "In the classic political tension between liberty and order, the conservative favors order. They believe this help through governmental activity will lead to greater individual freedom.
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