Tradition

• What is tradition seen as?


  Accumulated wisdoms of past societies and a profound connection between generations
• Where can importance for tradition be seen?

  Conservative’s strong support for the monarchy and Church of England. The enduring presence of the monarchy embodies a continuity of leadership and national identity that conservatives deem essential
• The Church of England established over many centuries reflects not just religious beliefs but also a historical and cultural continuity that is important to maintain the structure of society
• Respect for tradition is seen as crucial for maintaining stability and security within society. It’s through the lens of tradition that conservatives understand and approach change, favouring organic, gradual developments instead of abrupt, radical shifts
• Concept of organic change respects the slow evolution of societal norms and institutions, ensuring that any change is rooted in the past and contributes to a sense of continuity
• Who saw tradition as a critical thread linking the past present and future generations, creating a sense of belonging and continuity?

  Burke
• For Burke, tradition isn’t just about preserving old ways for their own sake, its about recognising and upholding what has been tried and tested, ensuring that each generation benefits from the wisdom if those that preceded it
• Traditional Conservatism‘s view of tradition?

  Fundamental principle, influencing beliefs on society, the state, human nature and the economy.
• One Nation Conservatism view of tradition

  Agree with view that tradition should be listened to as the accumulated wisdom of the past. In the face of societal change under industrialisation, they recognised the need to change in order to conserve the traditional structure of society and its key institutions. Their greater use of state power to address social inequalities was therefore consistent with tradition and in order to protect it rathe than a departure from it
• Tradition in New Right (1):

  On one hand, the New Right’s ideological driven beliefs can be seen as opposed to tradition. Their views on society and how the state should act weren’t driven by seeking to learn form the accumulated wisdom of the past (especially neoliberalism)
• Tradition in New Right (2)

  On the other hand, neoconservatism‘s support for anti-permissiveness advocated a return to traditional values. Saw liberalisation of social attitudes, especially related to personal and sexual freedom in the 1970s, as a threat to the moral and social order
• Neoconservatives believed that individualism was bets pursued in a stable society rooted in the principle of Judeao-Christian morality and presented themselves as the defenders of conservative values in the face of social changes
• Central to Neoconservatives’ concern was the preservation of the traditional family unit, which they regarded as the bedrock of society. Believed permissive trends undermined this structure, weakening the societal fabric
• Reagan strongly advocated for traditional family values and often spoke against the liberalisation of society. His administration‘s support for conservative social policies like opposition to abortion was a clear reflection of his commitment to anti-permissiveness
• Thatcher’s government also took significant steps to curb societal permissiveness

  For example, legislation like Section 28, which prohibited the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities and in schools