It has often been recognized, possibly to a greater extent in recent years, that there seems to be a correlation between feminine temperament and left leaning ideology, and subsequently masculine temperament and right leaning ideology. Some have attributed this to the productive effort of males in contrast to the distributive focus of females throughout our evolved history – men have found food and produced shelter, and women have made sure each member of the family had enough to eat. As our communities have grown beyond the family, this responsibility has expanded, and women have historically taken up the role of caring for the children of others, the elderly, the disabled, and the weak.

I often experience this urge myself, which has drawn me to nursing, and draws me to offer food to men on the street. As a feminine woman, my primary instinct and temperament should reasonably draw me to socialism, as it has done so many women and effeminate men. Not only do we feel the need to provide for those who are unable to provide for themselves, but we also appreciate the feeling of security that comes from knowing we will be taken care of. It takes courage to advocate for limited government, in which masculinity thrives with increased responsibility and independence, but comes at a high cost if one should fail.

But I am a libertarian conservative.

The Conservative Woman. A contradiction? A paradox? And why does it seem that some of the most traditionally conservative women are also the most feminine, and value these traits more than their counterparts on the left? (Shout out, RPW).

Within myself, I have discovered many reasons for this incongruence between my temperament and my political ideology, including the discovery through my work that to truly help someone means to support their independence and autonomy above all else, one of the first indications to me of the faults of welfare and similar supportive institutions. But there must be more to it.

What I have considered recently is that The Conservative Woman is still feminine in nature, but holds a high regard for masculinity as her natural counterbalance, retaining profound respect and admiration for men and their place in both the home and in society as a whole.

Modern women have “liberated” themselves from men, but in doing so, they have created within themselves a storm of insecurity and dissatisfaction with the independence they so desired. They want to be single mothers or have powerful careers, but find that without men, they turn to the state for security. However, they have failed to recognize that distribution without adequate production is impossible – or, that a society with socialist safety nets without the foundation of a strong capitalistic economy can only continue for so long before total collapse.

The future cannot be only female. It would end disastrously.

The Conservative Woman recognizes that security should be found in a home and a husband, not the state. The Conservative Woman recognizes that children need a father as much as they need a mother. The Conservative Woman trusts that masculine traits of competitiveness, dominance, and rational self-interest are positive traits and produce value in society and for the family. The Conservative Woman takes care of her family, but raises her children to someday take care of themselves.

The Conservative Woman does not feel a need to become masculine and independent, and allows herself to embrace her femininity and dependence on her husband, as he exercises his natural right to self-determination while bearing the weight of the responsibility that comes along with it. And personally, I think that is beautiful.