Describe the two prominent political philosophies in the United States: liberalism and conservatism. Also describe each philosophy's views about the provision of social welfare services

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The two prominent political philosophies in the United States are liberalism and conservatism. Conservatives tend to resist change. They emphasize tradition and believe that rapid change usually results in more negative than positive consequences. In economic matters, conservatives feel that government should not interfere with the workings of the marketplace. They encourage the government to support (for example, through tax incentives), rather than regulate, business and industry in society. A free-market economy is thought to be the best way to ensure prosperity and fulfillment of individual needs. Conservatives embrace the old adage "that government governs best which governs least." They believe that most government activities constitute grave threats to individual liberty and to the smooth functioning of the free market. Conservatives generally view individuals as autonomous. Regardless of what a person's situation is, or what his or her problems are, each person is thought to be responsible for his or her own behavior. People are thought to choose whatever they are doing, and they therefore are viewed as responsible for whatever gains or losses result from their choices. People are thought to possess free will, and thus can choose to engage in behaviors such as hard work that help them get ahead or activities such as excessive leisure that contribute to failure. Poverty and other personal problems are seen as the result of laziness, irresponsibility, or lack of self-control. Conservatives believe that social welfare programs force hardworking, productive citizens to pay for the consequences of the irresponsible behavior of recipients of social welfare services. Conservatives generally advocate a residual approach to social welfare programs. They believe that dependency is a result of personal failure and that it is natural for inequality to exist among humans. They assert that the family, the church, and gainful employment should be the primary defenses against dependency. Social welfare should be only a temporary function that is used sparingly; prolonged social welfare assistance will lead recipients to become permanently dependent. Conservatives also believe that charity is a moral virtue and that the "fortunate" are obligated to help the "less fortunate" become productive, contributing citizens in a society. If government funds are provided for health and social welfare services, conservatives advocate that such funding should go to private organizations, which are thought to be more effective and efficient than public agencies in providing services. Conservatives revere the "traditional" nuclear family and try to devise policies to preserve it. They see the family as a source of strength for individuals and as the primary unit of society. They generally oppose abortion, sex education in schools, equal rights for gays and lesbians, public funding of daycare centers, birth control counseling for minors, and other measures that might undermine parental authority or support alternative family forms such as single parenthood.
In contrast, liberals believe that change is generally good, as it usually brings progress. Moderate change is best. They view society as needing regulation to ensure fair competition among various interests. In particular, a free-market economy is viewed as needing regulation to ensure fairness. Government programs, including social welfare programs, are necessary to help meet basic human needs. Liberals advocate government action to remedy social deficiencies and to improve human welfare. They feel that government regulation and intervention are often required to safeguard human rights, to control the excesses of capitalism, and to provide equal chances for success. They emphasize egalitarianism and the rights of minorities. Liberals generally adhere to an institutional view of social welfare. They assert that because modern society has become so fragmented and complex and because traditional institutions have been unable to meet emerging human needs, few individuals can now function without the help of social services (including work training, job placement services, child care, health care, and counseling). Liberals believe that the personal problems encountered by someone are generally due to causes beyond that person's control. Causes are generally sought in the person's environment. For example, a child with a learning disability is thought to be at risk only if he or she is not receiving appropriate educational services to accommodate the disability. In such a situation, liberals would seek to develop educational services to meet the child's learning needs. Liberals view the family as an evolving institution and therefore are willing to support programs that assist emerging family forms such as single-parent families and same-sex marriages.?