Matrix of power relations

Conservatism may work to perpetuate a particular matrix of power relations that benefits the wealthy and the powerful and that holds potential challenges to power from below in check. There are some good arguments that justify how conservatism works.  Hobbes argues that as “peace is happiness” all people, regardless of their place in society, can rationally enter into a “social contract” with a “sovereign” (essentially the state) in which they relinquish the freedom of the state of nature in favor of loyalty to an absolute sovereign who provides them with protection and ensures peace.

Social Darwinists argue that the people who succeed in rising to the top of society are the rightful rulers of that society because they have shown themselves to be the “fittest” amongst their fellow citizens.  But conservatism, and the orientation towards law and order that goes with it, have easily existed within democratic systems.  Strident opponents of Conservative policies may refer to Conservatives as “Fascists” but there is a difference and what I want you to do in this essay is to explore the nature of that difference.