Conservatism vs Traditionalism
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans.
- Change should be gradual and build on existing institutions.
- Family, religion, local community and the nation give people meaning and stability.
- Human nature is imperfect, so laws and customs are needed to restrain it.
Traditionalism looks to religion, long-standing customs and inherited institutions such as monarchy and the church as the proper foundation of social and political order.
- Political order should rest on religious truth and moral law.
- Authority comes from tradition and divine order, not only from the will of the majority.
- Hierarchy and social duties are natural parts of a healthy society.
- Conservatism: petals and stars
- Traditionalism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Markets55 points apart
Conservatism: Free (moderate). Traditionalism: Planned (mild).
- Authority55 points apart
Conservatism: Strong leader (mild). Traditionalism: Strong leader (strong).
- Welfare45 points apart
Conservatism: Self-reliant (moderate). Traditionalism: Self-reliant (mild).
- Religion35 points apart
Conservatism: Religious (strong). Traditionalism: Religious (strong).
★ Where they are closest
- Foreign policy · 10 apart
- Trade · 20 apart
- Culture · 20 apart
Axis by axis
Traditionalism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipModerate: Private25%75%PublicPrivate
- MarketsModerate: Free28%72%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Self-reliant23%77%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityMild: Strong leader35%65%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order18%82%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Central45%55%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityStrong: Traditional13%87%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Religious18%82%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Caution25%75%EmbraceCaution
- CultureStrong: National identity13%87%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Protected35%65%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Conservatism or Traditionalism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Conservatism or Traditionalism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Conservatism vs Traditionalism
What is the difference between Conservatism and Traditionalism?
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans. Traditionalism looks to religion, long-standing customs and inherited institutions such as monarchy and the church as the proper foundation of social and political order. On the 12 axes they differ most on markets, authority, welfare.
What do Conservatism and Traditionalism have in common?
Their positions are closest on foreign policy, trade, culture. Overall their profiles are a 83% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Conservatism or Traditionalism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.