What is Social Conservatism? Is it the same as Conservatism?
Our previous article explained Conservatism and why it benefits society, so it’s timely that we dig deeper and discuss Social Conservatism.
Social Conservatism is a subset of Conservatism, but it’s not entirely the same thing. Social Conservatism specifically focuses on maintaining traditional values related to family, religion and morality, whereas Conservatism is a broader ideology that also focuses on economic matters and other traditional principles. It is possible to be fiscally conservative yet socially liberal.
Social conservatives are motivated by a desire to uphold religious or moral values in society and to resist cultural or social changes that they perceive as undermining those values. Social conservatives tend to oppose secularism as they believe it leads to moral decline in society.
Here are some of the core beliefs and issues relating to Social Conservatism:
Moral Frameworks – Social conservatives tend to support moral principles that are typically derived from religious teachings.
The Traditional Family Unit – this is the family structure that consists of a mother and a father and their children, living together in a household. The traditional family unit is considered the cornerstone of society. Many social conservatives also support traditional gender roles within a family.
Marriage between One Man and One Woman – Social conservatives believe that marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman. Social conservatives typically oppose same-sex marriage.
Pro-life – Social conservatives believe that human life begins at conception, and therefore, the unborn child should be protected by law. Social conservatives oppose abortion.
Religious Freedom – Social conservatives believe in the right of individuals and groups to practice and express their beliefs without interference or persecution.
Religious Influence in Politics – Many social conservatives believe that religious principles should play a central role in public life, particularly in shaping laws and policies on issues such as abortion, marriage, and education.
Law and Order – Social conservatives tend to advocate for strict enforcement of laws as a foundation for social stability.
Cultural Preservation – Social conservatives want to protect and preserve the culture but maintaining traditional values and laws, especially those which derive from their chosen religion.
So while there are many principles shared between Conservatism and Social Conservatism, we can see that Social Conservatism specifically focuses on maintaining traditional values related to family, religion and morality.
*Commentary by Family First staff writers.
