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Social conservatism is the belief that society is built upon a fragile network of relationships which need to be upheld through duty, traditional values and established institutions.^[1] This can include moral issues.^[2] Social conservatism is generally sceptical of social change, and believes in maintaining the status quo concerning social issues such as family life, sexual relations, and patriotism.^[3]

Social conservatism encompasses a range of what may be thought of as reactionary positions on social issues.^[4] It developed as a reaction to what was perceived as dangerous tendencies within the liberal movements toward political radicalism and a wholesale rejection of "traditional values".^[5] In North America, since the mid to late 20th century, social conservatism arose as a response to federal action on social issues—such as LGBT rights and abortion—which members perceived as a threat to conservative values.^[6][4] Social conservatives also value the influence of religion in the public square, thus supporting state Churches or accommodationism, while opposing secularism and state atheism.^[7][8]

Social conservatism and other ideological views[edit]

There is no necessary link between social and fiscal conservatism;^{[citation needed]} some social conservatives such as George W. Bush^[9] and Michael Gerson^[10] are otherwise apolitical, centrist or liberal on economic and fiscal issues. Social conservatives may sometimes support economic intervention where the intervention serves moral or cultural aims. Many social conservatives support a balance between fair trade and a free market. This concern for material welfare, like advocacy of traditional mores, will often have a basis in religion. Examples include the Christian Social Union of Bavaria, the Family First Party and Katter's Australian Party, and the communitarian movement in the United States.

There is more overlap between social conservatism and paleoconservatism, in that they both have respect for traditional social forms.^{[11][self-published source]}

Social conservatism in different countries[edit]

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Islamic world[edit]

Most Muslim countries are socially and morally conservative (such as Sudan, Malaysia and Gambia) due to their interpretation of Islamic law also known as Shariah.

Arab world

The Arab world has been historically conservative in social and moral issues due to the strong influence of Islam. All Arab countries have strong censorship laws against illicit and immoral content.

Arab States of the Persian Gulf

Saudi Arabia is the home of Islam and its two holy shrines, the king's (Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud) title is "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques". Saudi Arabia's role in the Islamic world enforces it to adhere to strict interpretation of Islam, of which it follows the most strict madhab of Islamic jurisprudence imam Hanbal.^{[citation needed]}

India[edit]

Hindu social conservatism

Hindu social conservatism in India in the twenty first century has developed into an influential movement. Represented in the political arena by the right-leaning Bharatiya Janata Party and far-right wing Shiv Sena. Hindu social conservatism, also known as the Hindutva movement, is spearheaded by the voluntary non-governmental organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The core philosophy of this ideology is nativism and sees Hinduism as a national identity rather than a religious one. Due to inclination towards nativism, much of its platform is based on the belief that Islamic and Christian denominations in India are the result of occupations, and therefore these groups should not receive concessions from the state.^[12] In terms of political positions, Hindu social conservatives in India seek to institutionalise a Uniform Civil Code (which is also a directive under Article 44 of the Constitution of India) for members of all religions,^[13] over the current scheme of different personal laws for different religions. For instance, polygamy is legal for Muslims in India but not Hindus.

Muslim social conservatism

There are several socially conservative Muslim organisations in India, ranging from groups such as the Indian Union Muslim League which aim to promote the preservation of Indian Muslim culture as a part of the nation's identity and history, to radical organisations such as the Mujahadeen and Lakshar-E-Taiba which aim to eradicate all other religions in South Asia.

Canada[edit]

In Canada, social conservatism, though widespread, is not as prominent in the public sphere as in the United States. It is prevalent in all areas of the country but is seen as being more prominent in rural areas.

Compared to social conservatism in the United States, social conservatism has not been as influential in Canada. The main reason is that the neoliberal or neoconservative style of politics as promoted by leaders such as former Liberal Party of Canada Prime Minister Paul Martin and Former Conservative Party of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper have focused on economic conservatism, with little or no emphasis on moral or social conservatism.^[14] Without a specific, large political party behind them, social conservatives have divided their votes and can be found in all political parties.^[15] In fact, many Canadian politicians who hold socially conservative views on a personal level often choose not to pursue them in their political life, including Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.^{[dubious – discuss]}

Social conservatives often felt that they were being sidelined by officials in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and its leadership of so-called "Red Tories" for the last half of the twentieth century and therefore many eventually made their political home with parties such as the Social Credit Party of Canada and the Reform Party of Canada. Despite the Reform Party being dominated by social conservatives, leader Preston Manning, seeking greater national support for the party, was reluctant for the party to wholly embrace socially conservative values. This led to his deposition as leader of the party (now called Canadian Alliance) in favor of social conservative Stockwell Day.^[16] The party's successor, the Conservative Party of Canada, despite having a number of socially conservative members and cabinet ministers, has chosen so far not to focus on socially conservative issues in its platform. This was most recently exemplified on two occasions in 2012 when the current Conservative Party of Canada declared they had no intention to repeal same-sex marriage or abortion laws.^[17]

South Africa[edit]

Social conservatism had a huge place in Apartheid South Africa ruled by the National Party. Television in South Africa was not introduced until 1976 out of fear that it would reduce the influence of Afrikaans.^{[citation needed]} Pornography,^[18] gambling^[19] and other activities that were deemed undesirable were severely restricted. The majority of businesses were forbidden from doing business on Sunday.^[20] Abortion was illegal, except in case of rape, and danger to the mother's life.^{[citation needed]} Sex education was also restricted.^[21]

Despite the legalisation of same-sex marriage and polygamy, in modern-day South Africa, the population remains socially conservative on issues such as homosexuality with 80% of the population against homosexuality.^[22]

United States[edit]

Social conservatism in the United States is a right-wing political ideology that opposes social progressivism. It is centered on the preservation of what adherents often call 'traditional' or 'family values', though the accepted aims of the movement often vary amongst the organisations it comprises, making it hard to generalise about ideological preferences. There are, however, a number of general principles to which at least a majority of social conservatives adhere, such as opposition to abortion and opposition to same-sex marriage.

The Republican Party is the largest political party with socially conservative ideals incorporated into its platform. Other socially conservative parties include the Constitution Party and the Prohibition Party.

Social conservatives are strongest in the South, where they are a mainstream political force with aspirations to translate those ideals using the party platform nationally. In recent years, the supporters of social conservatism played a major role in the political coalitions of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.^[23]

List of social conservative political parties[edit]

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Albania[edit]

• Red and Black Alliance


• Conservative Party


• Democratic Party of Albania


• Christian Democrats

Australia[edit]

• Australia First Party


• Democratic Labour Party


• Christian Democratic Party


• Australian Christians


• Katter's Australian Party


• Australian Conservatives

Austria[edit]

• Christian Party of Austria


• Alliance for the Future of Austria


• Freedom Party of Austria


• Austrian People's Party

Bangladesh[edit]

• Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh

Belgium[edit]

• Vlaams Belang


• Vlaams Blok


• Centre démocrate humaniste


• Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams


• Christlich Soziale Partei


• Christian Social Party


• Catholic Party

Brazil[edit]

• Brazilian Republican Party


• Patriota


• Social Christian Party


• Social Liberal Party

Croatia[edit]

• Croatian Christian Democratic Party


• Croatian Party of Rights


• Croatian Growth

Canada[edit]

• Conservative Party of Canada


• Christian Heritage Party of Canada


• Alliance of the North


• Pro-Life Alberta Political Association


• Reform Party of Alberta


• United Conservative Party

Colombia[edit]

• Colombian Conservative Party

Costa Rica[edit]

• Costa Rican Renewal Party


• National Restoration Party


• Christian Democratic Alliance

Czech Republic[edit]

• Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party


• Freedom and Direct Democracy


• Coalition for Republic – Republican Party of Czechoslovakia


• National Democracy


• 
  Civic Democratic Party (factions)

Denmark[edit]

• Danish People's Party


• Christian Democratic Party

Faroe Islands[edit]

• Centre Party

Finland[edit]

• Christian Democrats


• True Finns

France[edit]

• A number of The Republicans members in France as considered socially conservative, including the Christian Democratic Party, LR affiliate


• Movement for France


• 
  National Front^[24]


• National Republican Movement


• Coalition pour la Vie et la Famille

Germany[edit]

• Alternative für Deutschland


• 
  Deutsche Zentrumspartei (ZENTRUM) (German Centre Party)


• 
  Bündnis C – Christen für Deutschland (de) ("Alliance C – Christians for Germany")


• 
  Familien-Partei Deutschlands (Family Party of Germany)


• German Social Union


• The Republicans


• Christian Social Union in Bavaria


• Christian Democratic Union

Greece[edit]

• New Democracy


• Popular Orthodox Rally


• Independent Greeks


• Golden Dawn

Hungary[edit]

• 
  Jobbik^[25]


• 
  Hungarian Justice and Life Party^[26]


• Fidesz


• Christian Democratic People's Party (Hungary)


• The Homeland Not For Sale Movement Party

Iceland[edit]

• People's Party


• Icelandic National Front

India[edit]

• Bharatiya Janata Party


• Shiv Sena

Indonesia[edit]

• Partai Demokrat

Iran[edit]

• Combatant Clergy Association


• Islamic Society of Engineers

Ireland[edit]

• Catholic Democrats (Ireland)


• Christian Solidarity Party


• Family Solidarity


• National Party


• Renua Ireland

Northern Ireland only[edit]

• 
  Democratic Unionist Party^[27]


• Traditional Unionist Voice


• Ulster Unionist Party

Israel[edit]

• Shas


• United Torah Judaism


• Manhigut Yehudit


• Likud

Italy[edit]

• 
  The People of Family^[28] (Il Popolo della Famiglia)


• 
  Christian Italy^[29] (Italia Cristiana)


• 
  Militia Christi - Political Catholic Movement (Militia Christi - Movimento Politico Cattolico)


• 
  Union of the Centre^[30][31]


• 
  Lega Nord^[32][33]


• 
  Brothers of Italy^[34]


• 
  National Movement for Sovereignty^[35]


• 
  Diventerà Bellissima^[36]


• Die Freiheitlichen


• Citizens' Union for South Tyrol


• Forza Italia


• Forza Italia (2013)

Japan[edit]

• 
  Liberal Democratic Party^[37]


• People's New Party


• New Party Nippon


• New Komeito Party

Liechtenstein[edit]

• Christian-Social People's Party


• Patriotic Union


• The Independents

Luxembourg[edit]

• Christian Social People's Party


• Alternative Democratic Reform Party

Malaysia[edit]

• United Malays National Organization (UMNO)


• Malaysian United Indigenous Party

Mexico[edit]

• Social Encounter Party


• National Action Party

Moldova[edit]

• Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova

Netherlands[edit]

• ChristianUnion


• Reformed Political Party

New Zealand[edit]

• Conservative Party of New Zealand


• New Zealand First

Nigeria[edit]

• People's Democratic Party


• All Nigeria Peoples Party

Norway[edit]

• Christian Democratic Party


• The Christians Party


• Christian Unity Party


• Progress Party

Pakistan[edit]

• Jamaat-e-Islami


• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf


• Muslim League (Pakistan)


• Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam

Philippines[edit]

• United Nationalist Alliance


• Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino


• Bagumbayan–Volunteers for a New Philippines


• National Unity Party


• Ang Kapatiran


• Nacionalista Party


• Kilusang Bagong Lipunan


• Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma


• PDP-Laban

Peru[edit]

• Fuerza Popular


• Christian People's Party

Poland[edit]

• 
  Law and Justice
  
  • Right Wing of the Republic
  
  
  • Solidary Poland
  
  


• League of Polish Families


• Congress of the New Right


• The Republicans

Portugal[edit]

• Democratic and Social Center - People's Party

Romania[edit]

• Social Democratic Party

Russia[edit]

• United Russia


• LDPR


• Russian Party of Pensioners for Social Justice

Slovakia[edit]

• Christian Democratic Movement


• Network


• Ordinary People and Independent Personalities


• Slovak National Party


• We Are Family


• Kotleba – People's Party Our Slovakia

Slovenia[edit]

• Slovenian Democratic Party


• Slovenian National Party


• New Slovenia

Spain[edit]

• People's Party


• Vox

Serbia[edit]

• Dveri


• United Serbia

South Africa[edit]

• Freedom Front Plus


• African Christian Democratic Party

South Korea[edit]

• Liberty Korea Party


• Christian Liberal Party

Sweden[edit]

• Sweden Democrats


• Christian Values Party (Sweden)


• Alternative for Sweden


• Christian Democrats

Switzerland[edit]

• Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland


• Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland


• Swiss Democrats


• Swiss People's Party


• Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland

Turkey[edit]

• Justice and Development Party


• Felicity Party


• Great Union Party


• Motherland Party

United Kingdom[edit]

• Christian Democratic Party


• Christian Party


• Christian Peoples Alliance


• 
  UK Independence Party (Social conservative and Libertarian factions)


• 
  British Union & Sovereignty Party (Social conservatism|British Unionism]]

Northern Ireland only[edit]

• Democratic Unionist Party


• Ulster Unionist Party


• Traditional Unionist Voice

United States[edit]

• Republican Party


• America First Party


• America's Party


• Conservative Party of New York State


• Constitution Party


• Prohibition Party


• Christian Liberty Party


• American Solidarity Party


• Independent American Party

Social conservative factions of political parties[edit]

• 
  Christian Democratic Party (The Republicans)


• 
  Blue Labour (Labour Party)


• 
  Cornerstone Group (Conservative Party)


• 
  House Freedom Caucus (Republican Party)


• 
  Republican Study Committee (Republican Party)


• 
  Blue Dog Coalition (Democratic Party)


• Paleoconservatism


• Traditionalist conservatism


• Social conservatism in Canada


• Social conservatism in the United States


• Pro-life movement


• Family values

See also[edit]

• Christian right


• 
  Social inertia: the prevention of social change


• Social liberalism


• Victorian morality

References[edit]

Bibliography[edit]

• 
  Heywood, Andrew (2017). Political Ideologies: An Introduction. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 1-137-60604-5.
  

Further reading[edit]

• 
  Carlson, Allan, The Family in America: Searching for Social Harmony in the Industrial Age (2003)
  ISBN 0-7658-0536-7
  


• 
  Carlson, Allan, Family Questions: Reflections on the American Social Crisis (1991)
  ISBN 1-56000-555-6
  


• Fleming, Thomas, The Politics of Human Nature, (1988)
  ISBN 1-56000-693-5
  


• Gallagher, Maggie, The Abolition of Marriage: How We Destroy Lasting Love (1996)
  ISBN 0-89526-464-1
  


• Himmelfarb, Gertrude, The De-moralization Of Society (1996)
  ISBN 0-679-76490-9
  


• Hitchens, Peter, The Abolition of Britain. (1999)
  ISBN 0-7043-8117-6
  


• Jones, E. Michael, Degenerate Moderns: Modernity As Rationalized Sexual Misbehavior. (1993)
  ISBN 0-89870-447-2
  


• Kirk, Russell, The Conservative Mind, 7th Ed. (2001)
  ISBN 0-89526-171-5
  


• Magnet, Myron, Modern Sex: Liberation and Its Discontents (2001)
  ISBN 1-56663-384-2
  


• Medved, Diane and Dan Quayle, The American Family: Discovering the Values That Make Us Strong (1997)
  ISBN 0-06-092810-7
  


• Sobran, Joseph, Single Issues: Essays on the Crucial Social Questions (1983)
  ISBN 1-199-24333-7.