Conservative vs. Progressive: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 1, 2024
Conservative refers to maintaining existing social and political structures, while Progressive advocates for reform and change in society and politics.
Key Differences
Conservatives often emphasize tradition and established norms. Progressives seek to reform and update societal norms to reflect changing values.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Conservative policies typically focus on maintaining stability and the status quo. Progressive policies aim to address social inequalities and promote change.
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Jan 01, 2024
Conservatives may resist rapid changes to economic and social systems. Progressives actively advocate for rapid and significant changes in these areas.
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Jan 01, 2024
Conservative ideologies often prioritize individual responsibility. Progressive ideologies tend to emphasize collective responsibility and societal welfare.
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Jan 01, 2024
In environmental issues, Conservatives may prioritize economic growth. Progressives are more likely to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
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Jan 01, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Change Approach
Prefer gradual or minimal change
Advocate for significant and rapid change
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Jan 01, 2024
Economic View
Free market and individual responsibility
Government intervention for equitable outcomes
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Jan 01, 2024
Environmental Stance
Economic growth prioritization
Emphasis on sustainability and protection
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Jan 01, 2024
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Conservative and Progressive Definitions
Conservative
Favoring traditional views and values.
Conservative parties often emphasize national heritage and cultural continuity.
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Dec 28, 2023
Progressive
Favoring changes that promote social progress.
Progressive education initiatives might emphasize inclusive and innovative teaching.
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Dec 28, 2023
Conservative
Resistant to change in social and political systems.
A conservative approach to education might favor time-tested teaching methods.
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Dec 28, 2023
Progressive
Prioritizing social justice and environmental sustainability.
Progressive environmental policies focus on renewable energy and conservation.
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Dec 28, 2023
Conservative
Advocating for maintaining existing power structures.
Conservative economic policies typically support free-market principles.
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Dec 28, 2023
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Conservative
Preserving established customs and institutions.
In a conservative community, traditional family roles are often strongly upheld.
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Dec 28, 2023
Progressive
Proceeding in steps; continuing steadily by increments
Progressive change.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Open to or favoring new ideas, policies, or methods
A progressive politician.
Progressive business leadership.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Progressive Of or relating to a Progressive Party
The Progressive platform of 1924.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Increasing in rate as the taxable amount increases
A progressive income tax.
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Progressive
Tending to become more severe or wider in scope
Progressive paralysis.
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Conservative
Conservative Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political conservatism, especially in the United Kingdom or Canada.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
(Grammar) Designating a verb form that expresses an action or condition in progress.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
(Music) Of or being a style that emphasizes virtuoso technique, rhythmic and melodic complexity, and unconventional forms and instrumentation
Progressive rock.
Progressive jazz.
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Conservative
Tending to conserve; preservative
The conservative use of natural resources.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
A person who is open to or favors new ideas, policies, or methods, especially in politics.
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Conservative
Conservative A member or supporter of a Conservative political party.
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Conservative
(politics) One who opposes changes to the traditional institutions of their country.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Promoting or favoring progress towards improved conditions or new policies, ideas, or methods.
A progressive politician
Progressive business leadership
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
A person who favors decentralization of political power and disfavors interventionist foreign policy.
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Progressive
(education) Of or relating to progressive education.
A progressive school
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Progressive
(of an income tax or other tax) Increasing in rate as the taxable amount increases.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Cautious, moderate.
The chef added a conservative amount of salt to the dish.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Tending to resist change or innovation.
The curriculum committee at this university is extremely conservative.
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Conservative
Based on pessimistic assumptions.
At a conservative estimate, growth may even be negative next year.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
A person who actively favors or strives for progress towards improved conditions, as in society or government.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Supporting some combination of fiscal, political or social conservatism.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
(grammar) A progressive verb; a verb used in the progressive tense and (in English) generally conjugated to end in -ing.
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Progressive
Moving forward; proceeding onward; advancing; evincing progress; increasing; as, progressive motion or course; - opposed to retrograde.
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Conservative
Having power to preserve in a safe or entire state, or from loss, waste, or injury; preservative.
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Progressive
Favoring improvement, change, progress, or reform, especially in a political context; - used of people. Contrasted with conservative.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
(clothing) Conventional, traditional, and moderate in style and appearance; not extreme, excessive, faddish, or intense.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Disposed toward adopting new methods in government or education, holding tolerant and liberal ideas, and generally favoring improvement in civic life; - of towns and communities.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
(medicine) Not including any operation or intervention (said of a treatment, see conservative treatment)
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Having power to preserve in a safe of entire state, or from loss, waste, or injury; preservative.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
A person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Tending or disposed to maintain existing institutions; opposed to change or innovation.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
Of or pertaining to a political party which favors the conservation of existing institutions and forms of government, as the Conservative party in England; - contradistinguished from Liberal and Radical.
We have always been conscientiously attached to what is called the Tory, and which might with more propriety be called the Conservative, party.
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
One who, or that which, preserves from ruin, injury, innovation, or radical change; a preserver; a conserver.
The Holy Spirit is the great conservative of the new life.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
(of taxes) adjusted so that the rate increases as the amount increases
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Dec 27, 2023
Conservative
One who desires to maintain existing institutions and customs; also, one who holds moderate opinions in politics; - opposed to revolutionary or radical.
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Dec 27, 2023
Progressive
Advocating for reform and modernization.
Progressive policies often support expanded civil rights and social freedoms.
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Dec 28, 2023
Progressive
Supporting government action to address social inequalities.
Progressive leaders often advocate for healthcare reform and social welfare programs.
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Dec 28, 2023
Progressive
Encouraging new ideas in politics and culture.
Progressive artists often challenge traditional norms through their work.
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Dec 28, 2023
Conservative
Unimaginatively conventional;
A colorful character in the buttoned-down, dull-gray world of business
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Conservative
Conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle class;
A bourgeois mentality
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Conservative
Preferring gradual development over radical change.
Conservative leaders might be cautious about implementing sweeping legal reforms.
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Dec 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does conservative mean in politics?
In politics, conservative typically refers to maintaining traditional social orders and opposing radical changes.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do progressives view social welfare programs?
Progressives generally support social welfare programs as a means to achieve greater social justice.
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Jan 01, 2024
What is a progressive ideology?
Progressive ideology advocates for social reform, equality, and progressive policies in governance.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do progressives approach environmental issues?
Progressives typically prioritize environmental protection and sustainable practices.
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Jan 01, 2024
Can conservative values change over time?
Yes, conservative values can evolve but usually at a slower pace, maintaining a connection to tradition.
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Jan 01, 2024
Are progressive policies always successful?
Success varies, as progressive policies can be controversial and depend on implementation and public response.
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Jan 01, 2024
Do conservatives support environmental regulations?
Conservatives may support them, but often balance environmental concerns with economic growth.
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Jan 01, 2024
Do conservatives support government intervention in the economy?
Conservatives usually favor less government intervention, emphasizing free-market solutions.
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Jan 01, 2024
What economic models do progressives support?
Progressives often support models that promote equitable distribution of wealth and government intervention.
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Jan 01, 2024
Can someone be both conservative and progressive?
While rare, some individuals may hold a mix of conservative and progressive views on different issues.
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Jan 01, 2024
Do conservatives favor strong national defense?
Yes, conservatives typically prioritize a strong national defense and robust military spending.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do progressives handle cultural diversity?
Progressives generally embrace cultural diversity and advocate for policies supporting multiculturalism.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do conservative and progressive views differ on education?
Conservatives often support traditional education models, while progressives advocate for inclusive and diverse curricula.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do progressives view globalization?
Progressives often view globalization as an opportunity to promote international cooperation and social justice.
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Jan 01, 2024
What role do conservatives play in social debates?
Conservatives often provide counterpoints to rapid social changes, emphasizing stability and tradition.
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Jan 01, 2024
Do progressives believe in traditional values?
Progressives may respect traditions but often advocate for updating values to reflect contemporary society.
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Jan 01, 2024
Do progressives support same-sex marriage?
Progressives typically support same-sex marriage as part of broader LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
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Jan 01, 2024
Are conservative policies the same worldwide?
Conservative policies vary globally, reflecting each country's unique cultural and historical context.
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Jan 01, 2024
What is a conservative approach to healthcare?
Conservative healthcare policies often favor private sector solutions and limited government involvement.
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Jan 01, 2024
How do conservatives view tax policies?
Conservatives generally favor lower taxes and reduced government spending.
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Jan 01, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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