Paternalism (OCR A-Level Politics): Revision Notes

5.1.5 Paternalism

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Consequences on Society

• Traditional Conservatism: In traditional conservatism, paternalism leads to an authoritarian approach where the state exercises strong control over society, with the belief that people must obey the rules and directives of those who know what is best for them. This can result in a more orderly but less free society.
• One-Nation Conservatism: One-nation conservatives interpret paternalism as a moral obligation for the wealthy and privileged to care for the less fortunate. This creates a more cohesive society by promoting social welfare and reducing class divisions, aiming to ensure that everyone has a basic standard of living.

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The Economy

• State Intervention: Paternalism often results in greater state intervention in the economy, particularly in one-nation conservatism, where the state may implement policies to protect workers, provide welfare, and reduce inequality. This can lead to a more regulated economy with a focus on social justice.
• Economic Stability: In traditional paternalism, economic decisions are often centralised, with the state making choices that it believes will benefit the nation as a whole. This can create stability but may also limit individual economic freedoms and innovation.

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The State

• Authoritarian Governance: Traditional conservatism's paternalism can lead to an authoritarian state where decisions are made by a ruling elite who believe they know what is best for society. This approach can centralise power and reduce democratic participation.
• Welfare State: One-nation conservatism promotes a paternalistic welfare state where the government plays a key role in providing for those who cannot care for themselves, fostering a sense of duty among the wealthy to support the less fortunate.

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Consequences on Human Nature

• Guidance and Dependency: Paternalism reflects the conservative belief that humans are imperfect and require guidance from those in authority. It assumes that individuals are not always capable of making the best decisions for themselves, leading to a society where people may become dependent on the state or those in power for direction and support.

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One-Nation Conservatism and Paternalism

• Moral Obligation: One-nation conservatives see paternalism as an obligation of the wealthy to help the poor, aiming to create a more harmonious society. This is often achieved through welfare policies, social reforms, and state intervention to address inequalities, ensuring that the less fortunate are cared for and that social cohesion is maintained.

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Rejection by New Right Conservatism

• Emphasis on Individualism: New Right conservatives reject paternalism, emphasising individual responsibility and limited government intervention. They argue that excessive state control undermines personal freedom, stifles economic innovation, and creates dependency rather than self-reliance.
• Free Market Focus: The New Right advocates for a free market economy with minimal state interference, believing that individuals should be free to make their own economic choices without government paternalism. They argue that this leads to a more dynamic and prosperous society, where individuals are rewarded based on merit and effort.

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Conclusion

Paternalism in conservatism represents the idea of governance that acts in the best interests of the people, with different interpretations by traditional and one-nation conservatives. While traditional paternalism tends towards authoritarianism, one-nation conservatism focuses on the moral duty to support the less fortunate. However, New Right conservatism rejects paternalism, advocating for individual freedom, limited government, and a free market economy.