Social conservatism
This article describes the socio-political conservative ideology. For the economic-political social variant of conservatism with a similar name, see social conservatism.
Sociopolitical conservatism (social conservatism, where social stands for "social") is a political ideology and part of the right-wing spectrum, a form of conservatism that is primarily concerned with socio-political issues. Its representatives often belong to the Christian right and often come from evangelicalism or arch-Catholicism.
They place the preservation of traditional values at the centre of their actions, which is also referred to as value conservatism. For example, they are generally sceptical of social change and criticise the successes of (left-wing) liberals since the 20th century, such as the avant-garde, the 1968 movement, the sexual revolution, the legalisation of abortion, prenatal diagnostics, the facilitation of divorce, the introduction of same-sex marriage, early sexualisation and euthanasia. As part of the right-to-life movement, they particularly advocate the protection of life from conception (nidation) to natural death, as well as the protection of the traditional family with classical roles. In addition, fundamental freedoms and patriotism have a high priority for them. By their opponents and partly as a self-designation they are counted among the reaction and efforts to reverse the changes that are perceived as negative are called backlash.
George W. Bush, a representative of social conservatism
Questions and Answers
Q: What is a social conservative?
A: A social conservative is someone who supports right-wing politics on social issues such as abortion, homosexual marriage, religion, capital punishment, euthanasia and similar issues.
Q: Are social conservatives necessarily conservative on other issues, such as taxes?
A: Social conservatives may or may not be conservative on other issues, such as taxes.
Q: What political party do social conservatives tend to be in the United States, and what is their usual religion?
A: In the United States, social conservatives tend to be in the Republican Party and are usually also Christian Conservatives.
Q: Are there Americans who are social conservatives for other reasons than religion?
A: Yes, there are Americans who are social conservatives for other reasons than religion.
Q: What are social conservatives known as in Canada?
A: In Canada, social conservatives are known as the Blue Tories.
Q: Can someone support left-wing politics on many issues and still be socially conservative on certain issues?
A: Yes, someone can support left-wing politics on many issues and still be socially conservative on certain issues.
Q: Can you provide examples of left-wing politicians who were socially conservative on certain issues?
A: Mary Wollstonecraft, George Orwell, and Stephen Leacock were left-wing politicians who were socially conservative on certain issues. For example, Wollstonecraft and Orwell were socially conservative on issues like abortion, while Leacock was socially conservative on issues like feminism.
