Thought-Provoker: in a nutshell, differences between Political Liberals & Conservatives

Just knowing the political leanings of individuals (i.e., whether Leftist/Progressive or Rightist/Conservative) can provide an informed observer with key insights into the differing attitudes, beliefs and worldviews of those individuals. The stronger the respective political leanings of individuals (i.e., the more extreme), better is the prediction of the attitudes and worldviews we can expect to see expressed by those individuals. Therefore, when it comes to extremists we can understand more about the range of attitudes and worldviews they will ultimately hold, by asking fewer questions than would be necessary for those with less extreme leanings.

Below are some key ideological exemplars of attitudes, beliefs and worldviews we can expect to see for relatively strong Leftists and Rightists. These examples though don't necessarily cover the more extreme views of Socialists (e.g., the belief there should be no private ownership and that State should control all assets) and Fascists (e.g., support for eugenic projects). Instead, the examples are reflective of more commonly expressed ideological differences among people in western Capitalist societies.

Prototypical Political Conservatives (Rightists) are resistant to change and modernity and, indeed, would love to re-visit traditional 1950's life because they are supportive of patriarchy and the nuclear family structure. They are often conventionally religious, not supportive of science and are instead willing to draw on conventional folk wisdom. They are supportive of individual initiative and the sanctity of private property and the selling off of State assets. They are distrustful of people, particularly, those from other cultures. They are often nationalist and usually more willing to go to war in order to protect perceived national interests than Leftists. They are strong supporters of Capitalism and consumerism generally. Conservatives are climate change deniers.

Conservatives believe in others needing to take personal responsibility for wrong-doing and they advocate tough stances on crime. They believe that government should butt out of free enterprise and should instead focus on maintaining law and order and protection from external threat.

Conservatives oppose abortion and euthanasia because they believe that God gives life and has the right to decide when to take it, yet, they are supportive of capital punishment for murderers and other wrongdoers.

Conservatives believe that a free market will create better living conditions and economic growth, that entrepreneurs should be encouraged and supported, and private enterprise is the way to success and happiness.

Conservatives believe that successful business people are fundamentally better people---success is indicative of self-discipline, righteousness and hard work. Conservatives support corporate and business welfare, yet oppose welfare for the impoverished because they believe the poor are lazy and lack self-discipline, therefore, deserving of their lot in life. Conservatives don't readily accept that social circumstances can play a role in disadvantage.

To understand Leftist attitudes and worldviews, merely reverse what I've detailed above.

Because the beliefs and attitudes detailed above have been found to cluster together in quintessential Leftists and Rightists, by just asking a question or two about someones political views we can glean useful information about other views they may hold. But a cautionary note, this is all probability based; there can be individual exceptions. For example, you might find a non-religious Conservative or a religious Progressive. You might find a Conservative recognizing that social disadvantage can contribute to crime. This is increasingly possible the less extreme the political leaning is. Profiling individuals on the basis of attitudes, beliefs and worldviews, is based on probabilities, not certainties.