Tradition
For weak and insecure humans, tradition helps us to feel safe and to understand where we fit in. We are connected to our ancestors and to those who will follow us in the future. This helps us form our personal identities and to feel connections to others with shared histories and culture, thus creating social cohesion.
For conservatives in the UK, tradition can be found in institutions such as the monarchy, the Church of England, the House of Lords and the armed forces. Americans could seek security in the flag, the Constitution and in celebrations such as the 4th of July. These institutions have developed and survived over hundreds of years and are therefore full of wisdom and should be preserved for the future; they cannot simply be abolished and replaced as such a move would lead to dangerous instability.
Most conservatives are suspicious of change, as it goes against tradition and creates insecurity in vulnerable and weak humans. This belief in the importance of tradition can lead some conservatives to be suspicious of multiculturalism and immigration. Much of the conservative view of tradition comes from the religious beliefs of many (but not all) conservatives and can be linked to many religions, not just Christianity. However, this does not imply that all conservatives are opposed to any form of change but simply that change should be slow and evolutionary rather than radical, and should take place only if it is seen as absolutely necessary. So, while the Conservative Party originally opposed devolution, it now sees it as a way to protect the union. Change here is a response to specific circumstances — devolution had taken place and could not be abolished — rather than something that the party initially wanted and can be described as change to conserve. Change should also be based on an analysis of previous events, rather than for abstract reasons or utopian visions. Linked to this faith in tradition comes a firm belief in the value and significance of private property. Conservatives believe that ownership gives insecure individuals security and independence from the government, while also encouraging respect for the law and property of others. Property owners are therefore more likely to be supportive of the status quo, fearing change might lead to a threat to their property rights. They will respect those in authority who help to protect what they own and will support the traditional family values that will allow them to pass on a legacy to future generations. They also argue that private property is a way for individuals to express their personality and character, for example through furnishings. This belief in the value and significance of private property is at the heart of all conservative thinking and one of the few areas in which there is agreement.
For conservatives in the UK, tradition can be found in institutions such as the monarchy, the Church of England, the House of Lords and the armed forces. Americans could seek security in the flag, the Constitution and in celebrations such as the 4th of July. These institutions have developed and survived over hundreds of years and are therefore full of wisdom and should be preserved for the future; they cannot simply be abolished and replaced as such a move would lead to dangerous instability. Most conservatives are suspicious of change, as it goes against tradition and creates insecurity in vulnerable and weak humans. This belief in the importance of tradition can lead some conservatives to be suspicious of multiculturalism and immigration. Much of the conservative view of tradition comes from the religious beliefs of many (but not all) conservatives and can be linked to many religions, not just Christianity.
However, this does not imply that all conservatives are opposed to any form of change but simply that change should be slow and evolutionary rather than radical, and should take place only if it is seen as absolutely necessary. So, while the Conservative Party originally opposed devolution, it now sees it as a way to protect the union. Change here is a response to specific circumstances — devolution had taken place and could not be abolished — rather than something that the party initially wanted and can be described as change to conserve. Change should also be based on an analysis of previous events, rather than for abstract reasons or utopian visions. Linked to this faith in tradition comes a firm belief in the value and significance of private property. Conservatives believe that ownership gives insecure individuals security and independence from the government, while also encouraging respect for the law and property of others. Property owners are therefore more likely to be supportive of the status quo, fearing change might lead to a threat to their property rights. They will respect those in authority who help to protect what they own and will support the traditional family values that will allow them to pass on a legacy to future generations. They also argue that private property is a way for individuals to express their personality and character, for example through furnishings. This belief in the value and significance of private property is at the heart of all conservative thinking and one of the few areas in which there is agreement.