Social conservatism refers to support for traditional morality and social mores and the desire to preserve these in present day society. Social conservatives are not opposed to change per se, but believe that all change should be directed in such as way as to leave traditions intact.

Social conservatism is widespread throughout the world, as there are people within each nation and culture who seek to retain what they consider to be an ideal or traditional social structure. However, the meaning of social conservatism varies between locations, depending on the social, religious and national traditions of a particular place. It may be, for instance, socially conservative to promote traditional Western marriage in a Protestant, Catholic, or mainstream Mormon community, but socially conservative to promote polygamy in a devoutly Muslim or fundamentalist Mormon community. What is considered to be socially conservative is therefore very much dependent on what is considered traditional, from a relativist perspective at least.

The opponents of social conservatism are usually those who see no particular value in established tradition and consider it to be an impediment to positive change. For instance, some argue that traditional views in most present-day societies have been carried over from an oppressive past, and are harmful to individuals or to specific groups. Proponents of social conservatism counter that many "modern" values are "corrupt" and decadent.

See also

• Conservatism
• Social conservatism (Canada)

Conservatism | Social philosophy