The political right has long been associated with conservative values, including a desire for stability, tradition, and a return to a perceived golden age. However, this desire for cultural and spiritual order clashes with their support of market-driven societies, which have emerged from industrialization and post-industrial eras. This contradiction has been noted by scholars such as Christopher Lasch, and it is a significant challenge for the right to reconcile.

One possible explanation for this contradiction is that the right has become caught up in the idea of progress, in which economic growth and technological development are seen as the primary drivers of societal advancement. However, this progress is often at odds with the traditional values that the right seeks to uphold. For example, the industrialization of agriculture has led to increased efficiency and productivity, but it has also led to the decline of small family farms and the loss of connection to the land. Similarly, the rise of automation and the gig economy has created new opportunities for flexible work, but it has also led to the erosion of stable employment and social safety nets.

Another possible explanation is that the right is willing to overlook the negative consequences of industrialization and post-industrial societies because they see them as necessary for economic growth and prosperity. This belief in the importance of markets and economic growth is a core tenet of conservative ideology, and it is often used to justify policies that prioritize the needs of corporations and the wealthy over those of the broader society. However, this approach neglects the fact that economic growth does not necessarily lead to greater well-being or happiness, and it often exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities.

Despite the contradictions inherent in the right’s worldview, there are signs that some conservatives are beginning to question the primacy of markets and economic growth. For example, the rise of the environmental movement has led to a growing recognition of the need to address the ecological crisis, and some conservatives have begun to embrace the idea of a more sustainable, localized economy. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for social safety nets and the importance of stable employment, which could lead to a reevaluation of the gig economy and the push for deregulation.

In conclusion, the contradiction between the right’s desire for a cultural and spiritual order that predates industrialization and their support for market-driven societies is a significant challenge that must be addressed if the conservative movement is to remain relevant. While there are no easy answers to this dilemma, it is clear that a more nuanced understanding of progress, the role of markets in society, and the importance of social and environmental sustainability is needed. Only by grappling with these issues can the right hope to create a vision of the future that is both economically prosperous and socially just.