Thatcherism and Conservatism: A Comparative Analysis

In the realm of British politics, the ideologies of Thatcherism and Conservatism have been subjects of much debate and scrutiny. While they share common historical roots within the Conservative Party, their trajectories and emphases differ significantly. This essay delves into the nuanced distinctions and continuities between Thatcherism and Conservatism, exploring their historical underpinnings, economic ideologies, class-based dimensions, and the paradoxical nature of Thatcherism as it pertains to the concept of "authoritarian populism."

Historical Context: Post-War Consensus and Powellism

Historically, the Conservative Party has displayed an adherence to policies rooted in either Statism or Keynesianism, particularly during the post-war consensus era.

It is worth noting that during this time, the Conservative Party positioned itself as a guardian of community values rather than an advocate for market-driven policies.

However, one can argue for a degree of continuity between Thatcherism and these earlier Conservative policies, contending that the post-war consensus was disrupted not by Thatcher but rather by the emergence of "Powellism" in the late 1960s and the "Heath Programme" in 1970.

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Edward Heath's "Selsdon Man Programme" advocated measures such as restricting the flow of money into the system, eliminating government subsidies to private enterprises, and challenging the public sector and trade unions.

Dix aptly described this program as "the first step in a return to the laissez-faire philosophy from which the Tory Party originated." This suggests that the primeval stirrings of Selsdon Man in 1970 evolved into the fully matured ideological foundation of Thatcherism by 1979.

While Thatcherism shares certain economic leanings with these early Conservative policies, it goes further by associating Statism with socialism, thus positioning itself as not only anti-Statist but also anti-socialist.

Thatcher's unwavering determination to "not merely put a temporary brake on socialism but to stop its onward march once and for all" exemplifies this stance.

Economic Ideology: Monetarism and Market Superiority

Thatcherism is indelibly linked to the economic doctrine of monetarism, emphasizing the need to control public spending and eliminate inflation, even at the cost of substantial social consequences, such as unemployment and social deprivation. Monetarism, as advocated by Milton Friedman, represents a return to the ideals of Nineteenth Century liberalism.

Gamble argues that Thatcherism considers "market mechanisms" superior to political mechanisms, and it has consistently striven to remove various areas from the realm of politics and entrust them to market forces. This raises a fundamental question: Is Thatcherism primarily an economic ideology rather than a political one?

While this distinction is not black and white, it is essential to acknowledge the strong interconnection between economic and social policies within Thatcherism. The economic emphasis on market forces and reduced government intervention inherently influences social dynamics and welfare.

Class Ideology: Thatcherism as a Petit Bourgeoisie Ideology

Thatcherism, despite not explicitly presenting itself as such, can be understood as a class ideology primarily aligned with the petit bourgeoisie. Aughey accurately characterizes Thatcher's vision as that of the propertied middle-class, emphasizing the values of hard work, thrift, and self-reliance.

Monetarism finds enthusiastic support within Thatcherism, as it resonates with the middle-class ethos of diligence and self-reliance. While Harris suggests that Thatcherism owes more to Methodism than Milton Friedman, the compatibility of these two ideologies lies in their appeal to the middle-class, both endorsing values that align with the middle-class mindset.

The class-based nature of Thatcherism becomes apparent when examined through the lens of "authoritarian populism" as articulated by Hall and Gamble.

Authoritarian Populism and National Interests

Thatcherism is paradoxical in its self-perception. It does not regard itself as "Thatcherism" nor as a middle-class ideology. Instead, it asserts that "the voice of Mrs. Thatcher is held to be the voice of the British people." This reflects the core of Thatcherism's populism, which posits that the values of its own class represent the values of all social strata, justifying the formulation and implementation of policies in accordance with these values.

Populism, in this context, is the elevation of "national interests" above class interests, drawing upon the idea of a neutral marketplace that operates in the best interests of all. Paradoxically, this strain of populism is underpinned by the authoritarianism inherent in traditional Conservatism, which has always been associated with "Law and Order," a viewpoint rooted in the sanctity of private property and, as Thatcherism phrases it, "liberty and order," symbolizing a free-market economy and a robust state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thatcherism and Conservatism, while sharing historical roots, diverge significantly in terms of their economic ideologies and class-based dimensions. Thatcherism's strong alignment with monetarism and its emphasis on market mechanisms set it apart from earlier Conservative policies rooted in Statism and Keynesianism.

Furthermore, Thatcherism's classification as a class ideology, representing the petit bourgeoisie, underscores its distinct character. Its advocacy for middle-class values, such as hard work and self-reliance, aligns with its economic ideology, making it a unique political force in British history.

Thatcherism's paradoxical nature, as both populist and authoritarian, is a testament to its ability to resonate with a broad spectrum of society while maintaining its core middle-class values. While it may be seen as successful in terms of governance, it is essential to recognize that its evolution has been influenced by both ideological principles and political expediency, as it has strived to restore the fortunes of the Conservative Party.

As the legacy of Thatcherism continues to shape British politics, it remains a subject of scholarly scrutiny and debate, offering insights into the complexities of ideology, governance, and class dynamics.