Political Psychology 101-The Politics of Equality

In the post that appears below called Political Psychology 101, we make reference to a paper called Political Conservatism as Socially Motivated Cognition. That paper points out that studies show that more a person leans to the right on the political spectrum, the more they share certain traits. Among these traits are an intolerance for ambiguity and a tolerance for inequality. The post below talks about the need some conservatives have for non-ambiguous situations. This post wants to talk about the fact that conservatives aren't all that concerned about inequality and, indeed, many prefer that our society remain unequal.

Since the founding of America, there has been a constant expansion of equality in our society. At first only white men with property could vote. Then it was extended to white men without property. Next, with the adoption of the 14th Amendment, came the theoretical extension of the franchise to black males. Following that came the extension to white females. Finally, in the 1960s, Lyndon Johnson redeemed the promise of the 14th Amendment and got Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act, which extended political equality to black citizens in states of the Old Confederacy and backed up the extension with Federal coercion.

While the struggle for political equality went on, there was also a battle for social equality in our society. Women and minorities battled to open up educational, business, and professional opportunities to all Americans. The battle continues to this day.

In all these battles, conservatives opposed the drive for equality. Conservative voices didn't want non-landowning people to vote, didn't want blacks freed or voting, didn't think that women should be seen outside the home taking part in the political life of our nation, didn't want the Federal government to back up the drive for equal rights with force.

This is the eternal conflict between liberals and conservatives. Liberals believe in extending equality of opportunity, conservatives do not. If you look at almost every major battle between liberals and conservatives on the domestic side, that conflict will appear. It dictates which sides people take in budget battles, in Supreme Court nomination fights, in battles over tax policy.

If liberals are asked "how are you different than conservatives", the answer should be that "I believe in using the power of the government to extend equality of opportunity to all Americans, conservatives do not." Only after establishing that baseline is it then possible to engage in a discussion of particular policies. _________________________________________________________________
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