Conceptions of freedom in the neo-conservative state: Challenges for political socialisation and civic education

Neo-conservatism seeks to export freedom abroad while limiting it on the demestic front. These twin impulses create a political environment in which war is seen as natural opportunity to promote freedom on a global scale and oppression becomes an equally natural response to limit freedom at home. Limitations on freedom have gained a new salience in the light of geo-political realities that have forced nation states to review the ways in which they protect their citizens and enable them to go about their daily life. Protection may be a legitimate role for the state to play but there is no role for oppression in pursuit of neo-conservative social objectives. The messages being sent to young people by these conflicting attitudes to freedom are likely those of valorising aggression and popularising intolerance. These developments take place in contexts where a minority of young people already holds negative social attitudes. There is now a strong role for civil society in discerning boundaries that allow governments to do what is needed in providing protection for citizens while at the same time avoiding oppression of community groups. Copyright © 2005 Pacific Circle Consortium for Education.