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Based upon the normative value ofconservatism and the structural layout ofcorporatism,conservative corporatism arose as a response toliberalism andMarxism by rejecting thecultural pluralism of liberalism, thepolitical radicalism anddialectical materialism of Marxism, and the mutually heldsecularist attitudes of both.[1] Economic systems of conservative corporatism are identified as involving a status-relatedwelfare state, pronounced but not extreme income differentials, moderatelysocial hierarchies, moderate social rights, and some social exclusion not including the way it is.[2] Conservative corporatism is also a corporatistpolitical culture that is distinct fromfascist corporatism in that rather than having adictatorship impose order through force, the conservative corporatist culture is already settled and ongoing. The conservative corporatist culture relies on existing shared values of its members and therefore does not feature a largepolice force. The theoretical source of legitimacy of a conservative corporatist culture istradition and hierarchy of birth. While its members are rational beings, the culture itself does not attempt to justify itself byreason as for instance a fascist corporatist culture does, but rather appeals to the way it has always been done. They feel that tradition is the rightful basis ofsociety.
The conservative corporatist culture is organized with rigid hierarchy defined bybirth and age. They view this hierarchy as fundamental to the proper functioning of the society. They do not value or seek to achieveegalitarianism because they believe it is an illusion and detrimental. Anypower attained by those who seek equality is considered an illegitimate replacement. Merit does play a limited role in who has influence, but hierarchy of birth takes precedence over merit whenever there is a conflict between the two. The conservative corporate culture is based on thefamily. Smallcorporate groups as well as the whole society are seen as a big family. For this reason, conservative corporatists tend to view time and goals in terms longer than one's own lifetime. Specialization of skills by small corporate groups tend to perpetuate theculture because it causes members to feel a sense ofself-government andself-sufficiency. The connection of their work to the purpose of the whole society is close and obvious. Conservative corporate cultures are conceived incooperation, notcompetition. Members accept the hierarchy andownership is not vested inindividuals but rathersocial groups. The good of these groups is believed to be the same as the good of the whole society.[3]
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