In the vast spectrum of political ideologies, identifying as politically conservative carries its own set of unique traits.

You see, the world of psychology provides fascinating insights into why we lean a certain way politically.

As a staunch believer in understanding one another better, I’ve delved into what it is that shapes a person’s conservative values.

And guess what? There are some pretty distinctive characteristics that conservatives tend to share.

In this article, I’m going to unveil 7 unique traits that people who identify as politically conservative often possess.

So, whether you’re a conservative wanting to understand yourself better, someone on the other side of the aisle looking for some insight, or just curious about human behavior – stick around.

This is going to be an interesting exploration.

1) You value tradition and stability

Stepping into the world of political conservatism, one trait often stands out prominently – a deep-seated respect for tradition and stability.

Conservatives, according to psychology, tend to place high importance on preserving established customs and norms.

Their political ideology is rooted in the belief that traditions serve as societal anchors, offering stability in an ever-changing world.

This isn’t borne out of a fear of change or progress. Rather, it’s about understanding that traditions have stood the test of time and provide a sense of continuity and security.

If you identify as a conservative, you might find yourself treasuring family customs or upholding cultural norms. You may also feel a sense of discomfort when things change too rapidly.

It’s important to note that this isn’t about resisting all change. Instead, it’s about approaching change cautiously and preferring incremental adjustments over radical shifts.

This desire for stability and respect for tradition is a core characteristic of political conservatism.

2) You’re drawn to hierarchy and authority

Another psychological aspect that often comes into play for those who identify as politically conservative is an inclination towards hierarchy and authority.

Now, what does that mean exactly?

Well, hierarchy in this context refers to a system where people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

And conservatives, psychologists argue, tend to feel more comfortable within such structures.

For conservatives, hierarchies are seen as a natural and necessary part of any functioning society.

They believe that these structures offer order, clarify roles, and establish a clear chain of command.

So, if you’re a conservative, you probably appreciate clear lines of authority and respect those in leadership positions.

3) You appreciate individualism

Despite valuing hierarchy and authority, individuals who lean conservative also tend to appreciate individualism. It might seem like an unexpected trait, but it’s a critical part of the conservative ideology.

Individualism is all about valuing the rights and freedoms of the individual.

Conservatives often champion personal responsibility and self-reliance, believing that individuals are largely responsible for their own success or failure.

This belief in individualism doesn’t conflict with their respect for hierarchies. Instead, it complements it.

They see hierarchies as systems that reward individual effort and skill – places where individualism can thrive.

Essentially, they hold the belief that personal freedom and responsibility should coexist with a respect for societal order.

4) You see the world in clear-cut terms

Ever noticed how some people tend to see the world in shades of grey, while others see it more in black and white?

Well, psychology suggests that people who identify as politically conservative often fall into the latter category. They tend to perceive the world in more clear-cut terms.

In an interesting study by Northwestern University, researcher Carola Salvi found that conservatives tended to take a more step-by-step approach to solving problems.

In contrast, liberals tended to reorganize their thoughts in more flexible ways.

Salvi therefore concluded, “Conservatives have more structured and persistent cognitive styles.”

This isn’t about being closed-minded or rigid. Instead, it’s a preference for certainty, clarity, and definitive answers.

For conservatives, this clear-cut thinking helps maintain order and predictability in society.

If you’re a conservative, you might prefer rules that are straightforward and unambiguous. You may favor clear boundaries and definite right-and-wrong scenarios over abstract or ambiguous situations.

5) You have a strong in-group loyalty

Loyalty is a virtue, and for conservatives, loyalty to the “in-group” is particularly important.

The “in-group” could be a nation, a community, a family, or any group that a person identifies strongly with.

According to psychologists, conservatives often exhibit:

• A strong sense of patriotism
• Commitment to family and community
• A preference for social cohesion over individuality within their group

This loyalty stems from a desire for unity and a shared sense of identity. It’s about forming strong bonds and standing together through thick and thin.

6) You’re cautious of new experiences

As we navigate through life, we encounter opportunities for new experiences at every turn. But how eager are we to embrace these opportunities?

If you identify as politically conservative, psychologists suggest you might approach new experiences with a bit more caution than others. 

As we’ve established earlier, conservatism at its core is about preserving what works and cautiously adapting to what’s new.

So, if you’re a conservative, you probably prefer to weigh the pros and cons before diving into unfamiliar territory.

Let’s be clear, this doesn’t mean we are against novelty or innovation. It simply means we favor a more cautious approach when navigating life’s unknowns.

7) You believe in the power of free markets

Finally, individuals who identify as politically conservative often believe in the power of free markets.

According to American Compass, conservatives value the unique ability of the free market to:

• Allocate resources efficiently and empower people to meet one another’s needs
• Limit the power of a central government and place it instead in the hands of those best positioned to take care of their own interests
• Evolve over time in response to real-world conditions rather than at a bureaucrat’s whim

If you’re a conservative, you likely see the free market not as a brutal battlefield, but as a catalyst for creativity and prosperity.

You value economic freedom and believe in the individual’s ability to prosper within this system.

This belief in the power of free markets is perhaps the most defining trait of political conservatism. It’s more than just an economic theory; it’s a reflection of the conservative ethos.

What does this all mean for you?

At the end of the day, political ideologies are complex and multifaceted. Each one of us, whether we identify as conservative, liberal, or anything in between, is unique in our beliefs and values.

Understanding these traits associated with political conservatism doesn’t just help us understand a particular group better. It also encourages us to reflect on our own beliefs and how they shape our worldview.

So, regardless of where you stand politically, consider the following:

• How do your beliefs align with the traits discussed above?
• Are there aspects of conservatism that resonate with you, even if you don’t identify as a conservative?
• How can understanding these traits foster more empathy and dialogue across political lines?

In this ever-evolving world, it’s crucial to remember that beneath all the labels and ideologies, we’re all just humans trying to make sense of the world around us.

Understanding each other’s perspectives is just one small step towards fostering a more empathetic and inclusive society.

So let’s keep learning, keep reflecting, and most importantly, keep the conversation going.