How do you define "conservative" and "liberal"?

Question

Yes, I know the dictionary definition, and I also have my own definition. But I've noticed people on this site use "conservative" and "liberal" as if they were curse words.

I've met people who defined themselves as conservatives, but had no problems with abortion, and I've met people who defined themselves as liberal but had a serious problem with gay people. So, I'm a bit confused. I was taught that liberalism and conservatism can only be attached to viewpoints, not people.

So, what's your definition of "conservative" and "liberal"?

I'm open to all opinions, but please, keep it clean!

I really appreciate all of the answers.

I didn't think it would be fair to vote for one myself, when I wanted a variety of opinions and answers. Thanks again!

Answer 1

Conservatives are typically protection-minded, as in typically protective of the country and our way of life. Liberals tend to do a lot of america-bashing, they hate this, they hate that, they have a 'favorite minority of the month' kind of thing, they care more about starving kids somewhere else than starving kids in america, that kind of thing...their focus is more on 'the poor' and some other country than on fixing america....

Answer 2

I'm a Libertarian, so I have a fairly unbiased view.

Conservatives generally believe in upholding older moral views, but as far as government is concerned, Republicans have increased it's size, even though Republicans and conservatives are "against" exapanding government.

Conservatives are generally thought of as the working class and the hicks in the sticks (people have that wrong though, most "rednecks" are democrat here in Alabama anyway, because they favor the entitlement programs).

Liberals are thought of as caring people and very open-minded (which is less true than one might think though, just take a look at some of the liberal's answers to this question). Liberals generally favor big entitlement programs.

Both have their faults and when it comes to politicians, they are all so screwed up it hardly even matters anymore.

But just because someone labels themselves as liberal or conservative, it doesn't mean they agree with everything on their side of the fence. Personal experience can change a lot of that.

Answer 3

I agree a lot with JunkyChain. There is political and social conservative and liberalism. A lot of what comes up with the liberal vs Conservative is mainly social issues.

In my mind conservative means to stay the coarse. If it is not broke there is no use of trying to fix it. Also I think of conservatives as more authoritarian.

Liberal means change. I would actually consider Bush liberal on is tax cuts plans. It also means less laws and more freedoms.

It is rare to find anyone who fits the bill of either conservative or liberal completely, such as I am very conservative on some things and very liberal on others. Right now they are associated with the parties though and just saying something against a politician is enough to get you labeled one way or the other. There are also those who think that since I am Democrat I must be liberal and vise verse.

Answer 4

I'm not sure if you want the political aspect or just the personal. The federal Liberals have made quite a mess in Canada as they do some shady dealings and millions of tax payers dollars have to be located now. Our present Conservative government is trying to do a clean up of it all but the Liberals have in so long it's like wading into a very deep cesspool. (ugh) Our new Prime Minister is trying to get together legal guidelines for accountibility in the government coffers so no illegal dealings can take place.

Answer 5

Liberalism is just the opposite of socialism. Actually a conservative is much more closer to a Fascist than a liberal!!!!

Guess what term fits the first two neo-cons?? It isn't conservative!

Liberalism is an ideology, philosophy, and political tradition that holds liberty as the primary political value.[1] Broadly speaking, liberalism seeks a society characterized by freedom of thought for individuals, limitations on power, especially of government and religion, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market economy that supports relatively free private enterprise, and a transparent system of government in which the rights of minorities are guaranteed. In modern society, liberals favour a liberal democracy with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law and an equal opportunity to succeed[2

Conservatism is a philosophy defined by Edmund Burke as "a disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve".[1] The term derives from conserve; from Latin conservare, to keep, guard, observe. Classical conservatism does not readily avail itself to the ideology of objectives. It is a philosophy primarily concerned with means over ends. To a conservative, the goal of change is less important than the insistence that change be effected with a respect for the rule of law and traditions of society.

Conservatism is tethered to the traditions of a given society and therefore it cannot hold any single or universal meaning across the world


Fascism is a radical authoritarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, totalitarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.


If you read the term Fascism, in America it is interchangeable with Conservative.

Answer 6

Political Conservative - With respect to issues of federalism, a conservative prefers a weak central government. In a nut shell a conservative believes in state soveriengty.

Social Conservative - these would be you pro-lifers. They seem to think it is the government's job to promote morality (this in my opinion makes them in fact politcally liberal as they would have the national government excercise police powers which, according to the constitution, is supposed to be reserved for the states).

Politcal Liberal - Strong national government. It seems the liberals would have the national government ensure that basic needs and right are secured by the national government (as opposed to allow the state to have this role).

Social Liberal - usually supports broad human rights. Does not believe that the government should interfere in the personal lives of citizens (this in my opinion is a conservative point of view because the would like to see the government do less)

Oh yeah, to some. Liberal = change/reform conservative=maintain (even the bad **** I suppose)
That is as much as I can say without writing an essay.

Answer 7

I think you can be conservative in certain areas and liberal in others. I don't think anyone is truly completely conservative or completely liberal. Like myself I'm conservative on some issues like govm't spending, taxation, welfare, 2nd amendment, but liberal on other things like abortion, drug laws. People just pick their most important issue and vote accordingly

Answer 8

Conservatism: the establishment (good ole boys club) bigoted,,, un-American,,, Evangelical born-again fiscally irresponsible
Liberalism: favoring civil and political liberties,,, law by the consent of the governed, religious tolerance

Answer 9

conservative=whites only
liberal=open minded people living in the world together

Answer 10

a conservative will take your money, a liberal will also take your money, but make you feel good about it!