Contradictions In Conservatism

In the book “Contradictions in Conservatism” Dr.Farmer explains the discrepancies and inconsistencies in conservatism in order to enlighten his audience about the contrariety in the ideology, Conservatism. Dr. Farmer brings forth to light the values and beliefs that they hold. He lists all of them and then he explains why they are wrong or contradicting. He does a great job in portraying their flawed logic. Along with all the ideologies he gives us basic information about Political Socialization and how our political attitudes towards other groups differ among everyone. It differs because different people in different locations contain different Socialization agents. Although, the majority of people In the United States tend to gain their attitudes
Dr Farmer writes that Conservatives usually look at human nature with a negative view. According to them humans are naturally “bad, selfish, uncooperative, and incapable of honorable behavior(11).”In that specific chapter he is introducing things like Ideology to us, which he defines as “belief system through which people view and interpret reality (8)”. I honestly agree with this definition because it is true. Most of our behaviors, interpretations and beliefs stem from views we “pick up” from our environment. He explains that Ideologies aren’t reality, he says this because the view of the entire world is through an ideological “framework”. So basically the ideas that are explained of what’s wrong with society, are interpreted are actually simplified. When talking about values and beliefs Farmer states that “Political scientist assume that political attitudes, values, and beliefs are learned (15).” Although this is only an “assumption” this is pretty accurate. It is accurate because method of gaining your own political attitude is through socialization. Farmer states political socialization occurs “between the ages of eleven-fifteen (15).” This is very true because at this age you’re still living at home usually. You’re more likely to be going to school, as well as being around different groups and have access to the internet. All those factors are enhancers to ones acquired political attitude because socialization agents are included in those environments. Some examples of Socialization Agents would be: Parents and Family, Peers, School, Media, Workplace, and one’s Religion. Your parents and family are considered to be the most important socialization agents because usually the parents’ political attitudes pass on to their own children directly. The other major agent is your peers at school.