Note: This is a pre-publication version of my dissertation[] from November 20, 2015. Following its publication, I compiled errata and updates which are available here. In addition, my thinking on the seven tendencies of conservatism I identify here has progressed; see here. You may also download the final PDF.
CONSERVATIVE VIEWS ON UNDOCUMENTED MIGRATION
A dissertation presented to the faculty of Saybrook University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Science
by
David Benfell
Oakland, California
November 2015
Approval of the Dissertation
CONSERVATIVE VIEWS ON UNDOCUMENTED MIGRATION
This dissertation by David Benfell has been approved by the committee members below, who recommend it be accepted by the faculty of Saybrook University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Science
Dissertation Committee:
_________________________________ ___________________
Robert McAndrews, Ph.D. Chair Date
_________________________________ ___________________
JoAnn McAllister, Ph.D. Date
_________________________________ ___________________
Marc Pilisuk, Ph.D. Date
Abstract
CONSERVATIVE VIEWS ON UNDOCUMENTED MIGRATION
David Benfell
Saybrook University
While many may view conservatism as monolithic, this dissertation describes a taxonomy of seven tendencies in conservative thought in the United States: 1) traditionalist conservatism, 2) social conservatism, 3) capitalist libertarianism, 4) authoritarian populism, 5) functionalist conservatism, 6) neoconservatism, and 7) paleoconservatism. This dissertation then employs discourse-historical analysis to uncover the diversity of conservative thought among these tendencies in the example of undocumented migration. It supports distinctions between most of these tendencies. However, George Nash described social conservatives and traditionalist conservatives as allies on most issues; this dissertation finds members of each of these tendencies divided on the issue of undocumented migration between those who emphasize compassion over law and those who emphasize law over compassion. This dissertation also fails to support a distinction between authoritarian populism and paleoconservatism as members of both tendencies subscribe to an “us” versus “them” view toward undocumented migrants. Finally, it observes a profound difference in epistemology between most conservatives and many others: Conservatives appear resistant to forms of evidence that others consider essential.
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