Conservatism

Definition

Conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes tradition, social stability, and maintaining established institutions. It advocates for gradual change rather than radical transformation and values continuity in cultural and societal norms, which can significantly influence educational policies and practices. In the context of education, conservatism often promotes the importance of discipline, respect for authority, and the teaching of traditional values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conservatism in education often stresses the importance of a structured curriculum that emphasizes core subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.
2. Conservative educational policies typically advocate for parental choice in education, supporting initiatives such as charter schools and school vouchers.
3. In conservative thought, education is viewed as a means to instill moral values and civic responsibility in students.
4. Opposition to progressive educational reforms is common among conservatives, particularly regarding issues like sex education and multicultural curricula.
5. Conservative perspectives on education emphasize accountability and standardized testing as measures of student achievement and school effectiveness.

Review Questions

• How does conservatism influence curriculum development in schools?
  • Conservatism influences curriculum development by promoting a structured approach that prioritizes core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. This ideology often resists incorporating progressive topics that may challenge traditional values or established knowledge. The emphasis on discipline and respect for authority is reflected in curricula that aim to prepare students to be responsible citizens who understand their roles within society.
• In what ways do conservative educational policies advocate for parental choice, and what are the implications of this for public education?
  • Conservative educational policies promote parental choice through initiatives like charter schools and school vouchers, which allow families more control over their children's education. This approach is based on the belief that competition among schools can lead to improved quality and greater accountability. However, this shift can create disparities in public education funding and access, raising concerns about equity among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Evaluate the impact of conservative ideologies on the implementation of educational reforms related to moral values and civic responsibility.
  • Conservative ideologies significantly impact educational reforms focused on moral values and civic responsibility by advocating for curricula that emphasize character education, patriotism, and traditional ethical principles. These reforms often resist progressive approaches that seek to address social justice or diversity issues. As a result, schools may prioritize teaching established norms over encouraging critical thinking about contemporary societal challenges, shaping students' understanding of their roles as citizens within a traditional framework.

Related terms

Traditionalism: A belief system that prioritizes maintaining longstanding cultural practices and values, often in opposition to progressive change.

Educational Reform: The process of changing and improving educational systems and policies, which can be influenced by different political ideologies, including conservatism.

Meritocracy: A system in which individuals succeed based on their abilities and efforts, often championed by conservative ideologies to promote hard work and achievement in education.