THATCHER-IRON LADY: Modernizing "Thatcherism"
- R.M. Boylan
- Mar 19
- 8 min read
R.M. Boylan BSc. Master's Leadership Studies
"Once she opened her mouth, the rest of us began to look rather second-rate."
Bill Deeds, Prospective Candidate
Iron Lady's approach to Conservative Respectability
Introduction
Margaret Thatcher, the United Kingdom's first female Prime Minister, held office from 1979 to 1990. She is frequently recognized for transforming British politics and the economy. Thatcher was also a scientist and chemist. Science degrees provide a well-rounded education, demanding proficiency in both the sciences and social sciences, which fosters neurological development for future leadership. Before the age of 25, this type of education is ideal for balancing both hemispheres of the brain unlike other degrees as you are required to excel in the empirical sciences and social sciences which require writing skills.
Her tenure was marked by a commitment to conservative principles, economic reform, and a unique leadership style that challenged the norms of her time. This review explores how Thatcher embodied the traits of conservative respectability, her economic policies, her treatment of vulnerable populations and women, her resilience in a male-dominated society, and her memorable moments as a leader.
She was the daughter of Alfred Roberts (1892-1970). Alfred was a Methodist local preacher, so naturally morality would have helped frame Thatcher's value system. Furthermore, before the Second World War, her family briefly gave refuge to a teenage Jewish girl who had escaped Nazi Germany. Margaret with her older sister saved pocket money to help pay for the teenager's journey.
It is important to note that in political leadership, any woman outnumbered in leadership by men will need to reflect masculine values, not her innate feminine values to succeed. Below is a review of masculine indexed decision-making vs. feminine indexed decisions. Hofstede did this research after the terror of Adolf Hitler, explaining how both genders govern and the impact on societies. It has been shown that when there is a disproportionate representation of any gender beyond 50%, policy & politics will reflect that majority. Nevertheless, Thatcher was a great leader for her time. What was missing in her leadership and why?
Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to serve as a prime minister in Europe and Britain’s longest serving prime minister since 1827. She was also the only British prime minister in the 20th century to win three consecutive terms from 1979 to 1990. Margaret Thatcher had a strong anti-communism stance. A speech she delivered in 1976 condemning communism earned her the nickname “Iron Lady” in the Soviet press.
Masculine Instrumentality merged with Feminine Expressiveness in Female Leaders:
Thatcher became prime minister on 4 May 1979. Arriving at Downing Street, she said, paraphrasing the prayer of St. Francis:
Where there is discord, may we bring harmony; Where there is error, may we bring truth;Where there is doubt, may we bring faith; And where there is despair, may we bring hope.
John Major replaced Margaret Thatcher after she announced her resignation as Conservative Party leader and prime minister on November 22, 1990.
Economic Reforms and Growth
Thatcher's economic policies, often referred to as "Thatcherism," focused on deregulation, privatization of state-owned industries, and reducing the power of trade unions. Key actions included:
Privatization: Thatcher's government privatized numerous state-owned enterprises, including British Telecom, British Gas, and British Airways. This shift aimed to increase efficiency and competition in the market.
Tax Cuts: She implemented significant tax cuts, particularly for higher earners, to stimulate investment and economic growth.
Reduction of Inflation: Through tight monetary policies, her administration successfully reduced inflation rates, which had been a significant issue in the 1970s.
Greater individual liberty.
These policies contributed to a period of economic growth in the UK during the 1980s, although they also led to increased unemployment and social unrest. Critics argue that her policies disproportionately affected the working class, leading to greater inequality.
Treatment of Vulnerable Populations and Women
Thatcher's approach to vulnerable populations was often seen as controversial. While she did advocate for women's rights through her own rise to power, her economic policies frequently neglected the needs of the most disadvantaged that would include women. As I mentioned for her to be respected by a male dominated parliament, naturally advocating for women would not necessarily be celebrated. This has been my personal experience working in male dominated Fortune 500 companies, hiring women was never encouraged.
Some actions included:
Social Welfare Cuts: Her government implemented cuts to social welfare programs, which critics argue disproportionately affected low-income families and the vulnerable.
Women in Leadership: Thatcher's ascent to the highest political office inspired many women, demonstrating that women could hold power in a male-dominated society.
Despite her position as a female leader, her policies often reflected traditional conservative values, which some argue did not prioritize gender equality or support for vulnerable groups.
Strength and Resilience
Thatcher's strength as a leader was characterized by her unwavering conviction and determination. She often faced significant opposition and was subjected to harassment and belittlement by male colleagues and opponents.
This included:
Gender Bias: Thatcher frequently encountered sexist remarks and was often dismissed as "the Iron Lady," a term that was both a badge of honor and a reflection of the challenges she faced in a male-dominated political landscape.
Confrontation with Male Leaders: Her assertive style often put her at odds with other male leaders, both domestically and internationally. Despite this, the "Iron Lady" held her ground in negotiations and discussions.
Memorable Moments in Leadership
Thatcher's leadership was marked by several defining moments that showcased her ability to navigate crises and conflicts:
The Falklands War (1982): Her decisive action in sending British forces to reclaim the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation bolstered her popularity and demonstrated her firm leadership.
Dealing with the Miners' Strike (1984-1985): Thatcher's government faced significant challenges during the miners' strike, which she viewed as a direct challenge to her authority. Her determination to confront the unions was pivotal in reshaping the power dynamics in British labor relations.
Assassination Attempt: She survived an assassination attempt by the Provisional IRA in the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing.
Ending of the Cold War: Among her supporters, she was a revolutionary figure who transformed Britain's stagnant economy, tamed the unions and re-established the country as a world power. In conjuction with US Presidents Reagan and Bush, she helped bring about the end of the Cold War.
Speech at the Conservative Party Conference (1980): Her famous declaration, "The lady's not for turning," became emblematic of her resolve and unwillingness to compromise her principles.
Margaret Thatcher and Vulnerable Populations
1. Economic Policies: Thatcher's government focused on neoliberal economic policies, prioritizing free-market principles, deregulation, and privatization. While these policies aimed to stimulate economic growth, they often resulted in increased inequality and hardship for the most vulnerable. Critics argue that her approach led to significant cuts in social welfare programs, impacting low-income families and the unemployed (Baker, 2019).
2. Social Welfare Cuts: The introduction of policies such as the Housing Act 1980, which encouraged home ownership, resulted in reduced funding for public housing. This shift disproportionately affected low-income individuals and families, exacerbating homelessness and housing insecurity (Hastings et al., 2017).
3. Union Relations: Thatcher's confrontational approach to trade unions, exemplified by the miner's strike of 1984-85, led to significant social unrest. Her government’s stance was viewed as prioritizing economic efficiency over the rights and welfare of workers, particularly in industries heavily reliant on union support (Clarke, 2013).
Parliamentary Representation
During Thatcher's time in office, the gender imbalance in Parliament was significant. Men in Parliament: At the start of her premiership in 1979, there were 605 male MPs.
Women in Parliament: There were only 25 female MPs, representing approximately 3% of the total. By the end of her tenure in 1990, the number of women had increased to 41, still a small fraction (about 6.4%) compared to men. https://history.blog.gov.uk/2013/05/07/thatcher-and-the-glass-ceiling/
Alternative Approaches While Maintaining Economic Development, Law & Order
1. Balanced Economic Policies: Thatcher could have adopted a more balanced approach to economic reform that included safeguards for the vulnerable, such as maintaining or enhancing social welfare programs while pursuing privatization. This was her blindspot, however, she was in a cage being in a male dominated environment for transforming economic policies as any woman in leadership is when over 50% of decision-makers are male. If we review all governments worldwide, 50% or more of leaders must be female to balance out social policies and reduce harm to vulnerable populations especially women and children.
2. Engagement with Communities: Actively engaging with community leaders and vulnerable populations to understand their needs could have informed policies that mitigated negative impacts.
3. Support for Job Creation: Investing in job creation programs, particularly in regions affected by deindustrialization, would have supported those displaced by economic changes.
Blindspots as a Leader
1. Class Divide: Thatcher's policies often favored the middle and upper classes, leading to a widening gap between social classes. Her inability to address the concerns of the working class and the poor reflected a significant blind spot in her leadership.
2. Gender Issues: Despite being a pioneering female leader, Thatcher did not advocate for women's rights or address gender inequalities effectively, which alienated many women who might have supported her. Had she been more balanced in her support of women for their merits in jobs and leadership she would have lost respect of the male majority. It has been my experience as a female in leadership in Fortune 500 Companies that all women who help, support and empower women put their jobs and careers at risk due to male domination. When I began supporting and advocating for women based on their highly developed brain systems, a fraternity of males politically targeted me to death since May 28th, 2010. She is therefore abdicated from all responsibilities.
3. Regional Disparities: Her policies often neglected the specific needs of regions adversely affected by industrial decline, particularly in the North of England, leading to long-term economic and social challenges.
Improving Leadership for All People
1. Inclusive Policy Making: Engaging a diverse group of advisors and stakeholders in policy discussions could have led to more inclusive and representative governance.
2. Focus on Social Equity: Prioritizing social equity alongside economic growth could have ensured that vulnerable populations were not left behind.
3. Communication and Empathy: Demonstrating empathy and understanding towards the struggles of various demographic groups would have fostered trust and support among the populace. While Margaret Thatcher is credited with significant economic reforms, her policies often neglected the needs of vulnerable populations. A more inclusive approach could have balanced her conservative principles with the welfare of all citizens.
Conclusion
Margaret Thatcher's legacy as a leader is complex and multifaceted. While she embodied conservative respectability through her policies and leadership style, her tenure also raised critical questions about the impact of her economic reforms on vulnerable populations. Her strength in the face of adversity and her ability to lead in a male-dominated society set a precedent for future generations of women in politics.
References
Boylan, R.M. (2006-2009). Conflicts and considerations comparing Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs to Jane Loevinger's model of ego development for assessing the level of development of a leader. M.A. Leadership Studies.
Baker, C. (2019). "The Impact of Thatcherism on Social Policy." Journal of Social Policy.
Clarke, J. (2013). "Thatcher and the Politics of Class." Contemporary British History.
Hastings, A., et al. (2017). "Social Housing in the Era of Thatcher." Housing Studies.
Thatcher, M. (1993). The Downing Street Years. HarperCollins.
Heffernan, R. (2013). The Iron Lady: A Biography of Margaret Thatcher. HarperCollins.
Gamble, A. (1994). The Conservative Nation. Macmillan.
Smith, J. (2017). The Making of a Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher and the Politics of the 1980s. Routledge.
Young, H. (1997). One of Us: A Biography of Margaret Thatcher. Macmillan.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/WORKS-OF-ART/Women-in-Parliament-History-web.pdf
Moore (2013, p. 87): Neither at the beginning of her career nor when she was prime minister, did Margaret Thatcher ever reject the wartime foundations of the welfare state, whether in health, social policy or education. In this she was less radical than her critics or some of her admirers supposed. Her concern was to focus more on abuse of the system, on bureaucracy and union militancy, and on the growth of what later came to be called the dependency culture, rather than on the system itself.
https://history.blog.gov.uk/2013/05/07/thatcher-and-the-glass-ceiling/
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