The 7 Differences Between Liberals And Conservatives
Liberalism and conservatism, two philosophies that include political, economic, social and cultural aspects, are currently confused by their frequent association in the same individuals and political movements. However, from a theoretical and historical point of view, both ideologies are opposed on many key points.
In this article we will describe the main differences between the perspectives of conservatives and those of liberals It is important to keep in mind that these are not the only political philosophies, but there are other very influential ones such as socialism, anarchism and authoritarianism. The union of several ideologies is extremely common.
In political science, the term “conservatism” refers to ideologies that focus on preservation of the social institutions of a given group, which can be framed in abstract concepts such as “nation” or in other more concrete ones, such as States. It is also very common for conservatism to be related to religion.
Throughout history there have been innumerable forms of conservatism, given that its manifestations depend on the characteristics of the sociocultural, temporal and geographical context in which they are produced. However, conservative movements usually have a vision of the human being and society that is defended as “natural.”
Conservative people tend to reject behaviors and ideas that do not correspond to the social norms they defend: those that are associated with the majority culture in a given geographic area. So, conservatism defends tradition which is understood as a way of preserving social structure and stability.
The radical side of conservatism is made up of reactionary movements, which are frontally opposed to change and defend the recovery of “traditional values” that in many cases have practically disappeared at the present time. This is the case of the anti-abortion currents that have had some political success in Spain in recent years.
Defining liberalism
Liberalism, at least in its most representative variant, emerged in Europe in the 18th century, in the context of the Enlightenment. At that time the main characteristic of the liberals was their rejection of established norms defended by conservatives among them absolute monarchy, the union between State and religion or the division of society into classes.
Currently the term “liberalism” is confusing due to the multiple uses that have been given to it. The conception of liberalism in its economic aspect predominates (which defends the non-intervention of the State in the markets) and the American nomenclature, in which it is associated with progressivism; However, classical liberalism includes many different aspects.
What the different conceptions of liberalism have in common, whatever aspect is prioritized (the economic, social, political and religious are some of the most important), is that they defend individual freedom in some of its facets.. Thus, a social liberal could defend homosexual marriage and an economic liberal could defend the minimization of taxes.
Currently there is an obvious conflict between economic and social liberalism The alliance between supporters of the free market, conservatives and state apparatuses increasingly damages individual rights, equality between people born in different social classes or freedom of opinion, fundamental aspects for classical liberals.
The differences between liberalism and conservatism They cover a wide range of facets, from ethics or the vision of the human being to the conception of the State and the social structure. In any case, it is very common for conservative and liberal ideas to coexist in the same people, as is also the case for those of other political philosophies to do so.
Probably the most significant common point between these two ideologies is that both support the primacy of private property over public property This characteristic, which is opposed to the approaches of socialism or those of social democracy, explains to a large extent the alliances between conservatives and liberals.
1. Tradition and change
Conservative people consider the maintenance of traditions and social norms to be essential for the health of society; This makes them reluctant to change, which can have negative consequences. Instead, Liberalism opposes any obstacle that impedes individual freedom and its ideal is the progress of humanity.
2. Individuality and collectivism
While conservatism is associated with the structuring of society based on the groups that compose it, such as families, for liberalism the individual is the basic human unit. In this sense, there is a clear suspicion regarding conformity with social norms and the subordination of minorities with respect to majorities.
3. Personal freedom and civil rights
The basic value of liberalism is, as its name suggests, freedom; However, the way this concept is understood depends largely on personal and ideological factors. In this sense historically They have defended social rights much more than conservatives although, again, there are many forms of conservatism.
In general, conservative approaches propose that a certain social stratification, associated with historical and practical factors, is the natural and desirable state of human groups – at least their own. On the other hand, for liberalism social structure must depend on skills and economic success of each individual.
5. Religion and moral values
In liberalism, the religious freedom of individuals prevails; The same thing happens with moral values, which should not be imposed on others beyond minimum values preferably determined by society as a whole. On the other hand, conservatism usually uses religious morality as a tool of cohesion and social control
6. Nationalism and internationalism
In conservative ideologies, the praise of tradition, shared values and the identity of a specific group naturally come together; This often leads to nationalism and protectionism. Liberals often advocate internationalism and the minimization of restrictions on global trade.
7. Vision of the State and democracy
From a political point of view, liberals believe that the size and weight of the State in the functioning of society should be limited as much as possible; In addition, they defend democracy and equality in the right to vote. Conservatism can be associated with an even greater rejection of the State prioritizing the class structure and therefore oligarchic tendencies.
