Professions and Political Leanings: Understanding the Conservatism Bias

There are certain professions where conservatism is more noticeable, often because of the type of work involved and the individuals' dependence on or opposition to government policies. The political leanings of a profession can be closely tied to factors such as financial stability, government support, and the impact of regulation. This article explores the various professions where one might notice a higher concentration of conservative individuals and the reasons behind this trend.

Defining Conservatism

Before diving into which professions are more likely to have conservative individuals, it's essential to understand what conservatism means in the context of this discussion. Conservatism is typically characterized by a preference for traditional social norms, economic policies that emphasize security and stability, and a more limited role for government in everyday life. In relation to design, a "conservative" approach would involve higher safety factors, reflecting a cautious and risk-averse mindset.

Factors Influencing Political Views

People's political views are often shaped by their life experiences and the benefits they derive from the government. Those who rely on governmental support for services or employment are more likely to favor a form of government that provides those benefits. Conversely, individuals who find the government making their lives more difficult may oppose it. Financial stability also plays a significant role; those who rely on inherited wealth or government services are more likely to be liberal, while those who have worked hard to achieve their success are more likely to be conservative.

Professions with a Conservative Bias

There are several professions where a noticeable conservative bias can be observed:

Military Engineers: Military engineers often work under strict regulatory frameworks and rely on government support for their projects. However, they may lean conservative due to their core values of tradition, discipline, and security. Private Business Owners: Private business owners, especially those who started from scratch, often have a strong belief in personal responsibility and free enterprise. Regulations and taxes imposed by the government can affect their operations and profitability, making them more likely to lean conservative. Farmers and Ranchers: Agricultural professions are heavily regulated and rely on government support for subsidies and regulations. However, many are conservative due to their traditional values and the belief in limited government intervention in their lives.

The 'Clerisy' and Government Dependency

In the context of American society, Joel Kotkin has described the rise of a new class, known as the 'clerisy.' This group comprises educated elites who control most of the levers of society and work primarily in academia, media, and government. These individuals, often reliant on government for their livelihoods, tend to hold more liberal views and align with the Democratic party. On the other hand, small business owners and farmers, who struggle with taxes and regulations, tend to be more conservative and vote Republican.

Big Business and Liberal Tendencies

Conventional wisdom suggests that big businesses align with the Republican party, but this is often a simplification. Many big businesses see themselves as progressive and support a capitalist framework to achieve social and environmental goals. These large corporations are pragmatic and often give to both parties to protect their interests, thus not aligning strictly with either political party.

Small Business vs. Big Business

The political leanings of small business owners often diverge from big businesses. Small business owners struggle with the same taxes and regulations that big businesses do, but without the same clout in lobbying and political influence. They are more likely to be conservative due to the financial challenges posed by government policies. In contrast, big businesses can profit from partnering with government, either by influencing policy or through government contracts, and often have the political clout to protect their interests.

In conclusion, the political leanings of a profession are influenced by a variety of factors, including financial stability, government dependency, and the direct impact of government policies. Professions like military engineers, private business owners, and farmers often exhibit a noticeable conservative bias, reflecting their reliance on traditional values and limited government intervention.