ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the implications for both the structure and the content and aims to establish a dialogue between Bauman's understanding of freedom and that expressed in a conservative style of thought. It suggests that there are illuminating points of contact between Bauman and a conservative style of thought in respect of the concept of freedom. The chapter outlines several core principles of a conservative style of thought and draws upon a range of existing literature in order to provide a comprehensive survey of conservatism. It considers the ontological and epistemological assumptions of conservative thinking, as well as considering the distinction between change and reform that is taken to be characteristic of this style of thought. The chapter focuses upon the concept of freedom within conservative thinking and discusses freedom as privilege in Bauman's English-language writings. It identifies a shared belief in freedom as a relation of power, as well as the fundamental incompatibility of freedom and equality.
