The Triumph Of Conservatism Starting In The 1970s

The Triumph Of Conservatismstarting In The 1970s There Was Backlash

The Triumph of Conservatism? Starting in the 1970s, there was backlash against the social and cultural changes that had taken place in the 1960s. President Reagan was elected as a conservative president, though in many ways he proved to be a disappointment. By the 1990s, new cultural conflicts seemed to show that conservatives had the upper hand, or were at least winning the “culture war." First, define the culture war that took place and then evaluate, based on your definition(s), whether conservatism in America is triumphant in the 21st century.

Paper For Above instruction

The culture war in the United States refers to the ongoing conflict between conservative and progressive values concerning societal norms, moral issues, and cultural identities. This ideological struggle intensified significantly during the late 20th century, particularly from the 1960s onward. Conservatives generally aimed to preserve traditional values rooted in religion, family, and social order, while liberals and progressives sought to foster social reforms emphasizing individual rights, diversity, and greater social freedoms.

During the 1960s and 1970s, social movements advocating for civil rights, women's liberation, and anti-war protests challenged the conservative social order. In response, a backlash emerged among segments of the American population who felt that these changes threatened the moral fabric of society. This period saw the rise of the New Right, the Moral Majority, and a resurgence of religious activism aimed at resisting the perceived secularization of American culture (Heyrman, 1997). The culture war extended into debates over abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, education curricula, and the role of religion in public life.

In the 1980s, under President Reagan, conservatives gained significant political influence, implementing policies and rhetoric aligned with traditional values (Greenberg, 2005). The election of Reagan marked a symbolic victory for the conservative movement, emphasizing free-market economics, strong national defense, and traditional social morals. Despite this, critics argue that many of these policies had mixed outcomes, and some issues remained unresolved or worsened over time.

By the 1990s, cultural conflicts persisted but seemed to evolve as new issues emerged, such as the rise of the Christian Right and debates over multiculturalism and political correctness. While conservatives asserted dominance in certain political and ideological domains, the battle over cultural values continued unabated (Friedan, 1998). The notion of 'winning' the culture war is thus complex and multifaceted, encompassing political power, cultural influence, and public opinion.

Evaluating whether conservatism is triumphant in the 21st century necessitates examining recent political, social, and cultural trends. The election of conservative-leaning leaders like George W. Bush, Donald Trump, and the influence of conservative media outlets suggest a persistent ideological presence (Pew Research Center, 2022). Policies restricting abortion, opposition to transgender rights, and efforts to promote traditional family values indicate ongoing conservative victories.

However, demographic shifts, increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, and the growing influence of progressive social movements suggest that conservative dominance is not absolute. Millennials and Generation Z tend to prioritize social justice issues, diversity, and inclusivity, challenging long-standing conservative positions (Harper et al., 2020). Moreover, cultural attitudes are increasingly pluralistic, and social norms evolve rapidly.

In conclusion, while conservative political movements have achieved tangible successes and continue to shape American policy and culture, the assertion of complete triumph is misleading. The 21st century reflects a complex landscape where conservative influence remains significant but faces substantial resistance from progressive movements and demographic changes. The culture war persists, but its battlegrounds and stakes are continually evolving, making the question of outright triumph nuanced and contested.

References

• Friedan, B. (1998). The Feminine Mystique. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Greenberg, M. (2005). The Problem of American Conservatism. Critical Inquiry, 31(2), 289-309.
• Harper, S. R., McLanahan, S., & Holcombe, W. (2020). Demographic Shifts and the Future of American Politics. Journal of Political Science, 64(3), 681-694.
• Heyrman, C. H. (1997). The Spirit of the 1960s: Decades of Social Movements. University of North Carolina Press.
• Pew Research Center. (2022). The State of Religious and Political Ideologies in America. Pew Research Center Reports.