Conservative and Right-Wing Movements

TLDR

The right has emerged as a powerful force worldwide, with this review concentrating on the United States while comparing it to right‑wing movements elsewhere. The study focuses on movements themselves, rather than on political parties or intellectual trends. The article defines key terms, distinguishes conservative from right‑wing movements, reviews theoretical orientations, ideologies, and characteristics, surveys contextual factors and mobilization strategies, highlights New Right, New Christian Right, skinhead, and white supremacist movements, and discusses methodological and ethical concerns. The conclusion recommends directions for future research.

Abstract

In recent years, the right has become a powerful force in many parts of the world. This review focuses primarily on the United States, with comparisons to rightist movements elsewhere. Our focus is movements, not political parties or intellectual trends. The article begins with terms and definitions and distinguishes conservative from right-wing movements. We then review changing theoretical orientations and the major findings on ideologies and characteristics of these movements. We also survey contextual factors that influence rightist mobilization and strategies used by rightist movements. We pay particular attention to New Right and New Christian Right conservative movements and to right-wing skinhead and white supremacist movements. A final section examines methodological and ethical concerns that arise in studies of the right. The conclusion recommends directions for future research.