Origins Of Conservatism

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I will first explain the origins of conservatism and how women are related to its patriarchal model. In a second time I will discuss about division of women among associations and movements, leading to an empowerment of the Conservative Party with the support of women and I will finally take into consideration the outcome of conservatism into the lives of women with the example of Margaret Thatcher. I) Conservatism rooted in British history and maintaining traditional norms 1. Conservatism as an heritage of the Victorian era - The Tory Party is at the origin of the conservatism, in favour of private property for well off individuals - Such policies led to the gradual separation of three social classes within the British society: the working…show more content…
As a result, power remained in the hands of men. 2. Men as breadwinner of the house - The patriarchal model emphasized on the idea that the man completely carried his family from an economic point of view and thus was the only member of the family to work concerning the middle and upper class. - On the other hand, the working class could not apply such living standard and the whole family, children include, had to work in order to survive. - However, the British government became alternatively Liberal or Conservative, remaining focused on the patriarchal model of the family from the wealthier families. Thus, most women had no opportunity to work for their own emancipation and were expected to live as a support member of the family. 3. Women as “the angel in the house” - “The angel in the house” depicted a middle-class ideology in which the male and female spheres were separated. - Men were expected to be outside the house to work in order to sustain his family. -Meanwhile, women had to grow and raise a family and to provide emotional support to their…show more content…
III) Margaret Thatcher, an embodiment of conservatism 1. Thatcher as a façade of open-mindedness - The election of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister proved a woman could be a mother, a wife and have a work. -Her elected was followed by the appearances of female role models: Stella Rimington who led the Crown Prosecution Service (judiciary) or Betty Boothroyd who presided over the House of Commons (Labour Party. However historians claim this was more like Tokenism (putting a minority in a important place and then ignoring it). Margaret Thatcher’s main interests were in Britain politics and could not in any case be related to feminists. 2. Woman but above all conservative - Margaret Thatcher advocated for the greater independence of the individual from the state, principle trait of conservatism. - Margaret Thatcher decreased the expenditures on social services (health, education and housing, including frizzing child benefits) and made legal restriction on trade

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