The new right in Britain : united or divided?

Sheriton, Janet (1989) The new right in Britain : united or divided? University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This thesis argues that both Hayek and Scruton work with a partial view of political life and that a developed theory of citizenship can combine individual freedom and community. An exploration of the theoretical ground on which the `new right' stands reveals inconsistencies and `gaps' in the theories. An analysis of methodological issues in political theory suggests that language and meaning are argued over as aspects of power. Through an exploration of `old right' thought, the question of the extent to which the new right is a continuing development within a tradition of conservative thought in Britain is addressed. Significant divisions in the conservative tradition are discovered. This leads to an examination of the consequences which derive from that tradition's attitudes towards the state, using Oakeshott's typography of `societas' and `universitas' as a tool. The libertarian new right is analysed through the work of Hayek, and his definition of freedom is subjected to critical analysis. Exploring the implications of his view of liberty for individual freedom and a free society it is concluded that Hayek is uncomfortable with his own definition of negative liberty and imports into it a positive duty to aid. The centrality of individual freedom in Hayek's work is questioned. It is argued that `freedom' serves `progress' not individuals. Hayek is found to work with an impoverished view of politics and an abstract and empty concept of individuality. Through the work of Scruton, the communitarian new right's prescription for providing the `web of obligations' by which citizens are bound to each other is explored. It is argued that Scruton's analysis is a backward looking search for a community based on common culture which dissolves the individual into the social whole. Nevertheless, a developed concept of citizenship is found to be intrinsic to the reconciliation of freedom and community.

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