Tories-R-Us
One tends to arrive at university with a particular notion as to what constitutes a 'student'. The sector of society that you are to join is lazy, unwashed, opinionated, and extremely left-wing. Yet whilst there can be little doubt that Oxford students, on the whole, have no trouble exhibiting the first three of these characteristics, those expecting to see evidence of the fourth here will tend to be somewhat surprised. Simple observation would appear to indicate that, far from being unapologetic Marxists, Oxford students are generally very much to the right of centre. OUCA - the University's Conservative Association - claims to be the largest student political organisation in Europe, with a membership of over 700. The Oxford Union, meanwhile, regularly passes motions singing the praises of the Tory party (whilst lamenting the present government). Indeed, it is difficult to envisage tonight's motion - 'This house believes the future is blue' - not being passed by a considerable margin. We seem to be a university in which conservatism reigns supreme.
If this is indeed the case, what might be the reasons for it? Is it because those that come to Oxford naturally tend to be of the more conservative persuasion, or is it somehow Oxford itself that 'converts' them to such thinking? If we are to believe Blair Gibbs - current president of OUCA - it is the former, for this Merton student suggests: "Oxford students, being more intelligent than most, are more inclined to challenge the tired left-wing dogmas." So Oxford attracts clever people, and clever people are right-wing - thus Oxford attracts Tories.
Of course, whilst this argument may be widely accepted amongst the esteemed ranks of OUCA, it appears at best risible to the objective observer. To suggest that those who support left-wing political movements do so because of a lack of intellectual ability is to ignore the largely subjective nature of political debate. Often it is simply the case that differences of opinion between left and right rest upon fundamental differences regarding what ultimate end should be pursued by any political decision - something that cannot be objectively 'proved' no matter how intellectually competent one is. Indeed, the notion that OUCA is a body of superior intellect to other student political groups does not seem to square with recent reports in the student press regarding the nature of its social functions.
Yet there is still something to be said for the argument that Oxford attracts more right-wing students - not as a side-effect of attracting cleverer students - but due to the highly traditional nature of the place. When a university's examination schools contain as many imposing portraits of British royalty, and when one is still obliged to observe 'grace' prior to a formal college meal, it is hardly likely that those with a more traditional outlook on life will be dissuaded from applying. On the other hand, those who find such institutions stuffy and outdated could well be put off seeking to win a place here - despite potentially being perfectly intellectually capable of doing so. The nature of courses on offer at Oxford also contribute to this effect. There can be little doubt, for example, that those of a more traditionalist nature are more likely to see merits in studying the Anglo-Saxons as part of a Modern History course than a progressive 'lefty'.
Furthermore, the Oxford admissions process - in spite of the government's best efforts - does undoubtedly still favour those with a private education, those more likely to enjoy the benefits of, say, specialist interview training. Whilst it is a vast generalisation to claim that those educated privately are more right-wing than those from state schools, there is still an undeniable trend to that effect - in part due to the likely social background of each group.
What, then, of the argument that Oxford actively instils right-wing sentiments in its students? There certainly does seem to be something in this, and, oddly, for the very same reason that most universities do not have large right-wing student bodies - social pressure. Nothing is normal at Oxford, and fashion trends are certainly no exception. Whilst tweed jackets and red corduroy would be laughed at in most halls of residence, in Oxford they are positively an asset to an individual (in some social circles at least) - as is the mandatory accompaniment of a political outlook "to the right of Attila the Hun" (apologies to Nicholas van Hoogstraten). Blair Gibbs may claim that "being right-wing is about free-thinking", but in Oxford this is simply not the case. Being right-wing here means conforming to traditional Oxford stereotypes - independence and individuality are not necessary personal qualities for OUCA members.
Central to this factor is the influence of the Oxford Union. As the only major forum for debate within the university, the Union has an unrivalled ability to shape political opinions. It thus comes as little surprise to those attempting to explain the right-wing nature of Oxford
students that the Union and its executive are amongst the most conservative bodies in the land. Consequently, any individual wishing to rise to the CV-boosting higher echelons of power within the Union would do very well to at least feign a passion for Thatcherism. It is certainly likely that a fair number of those who join OUCA do so merely in order to be able to insert the magic words 'OUCA member' on a Union election manifesto. Thus it could be that Oxford students are not as right-wing as they claim.
The Union has a further distorting effect upon one's perception of Oxford students' political outlook - for the simple reason that one often forgets that it is not truly representative of the range of viewpoints to be found here. Oxford may be more right-wing than most universities (at a student level), but it is important to note that the absence of any major left-wing forum here, along with the very prominent nature of the Union, serves to exaggerate any perception of this. The more left-wing students are not so 'visible', both in the student press and generally around the city. OUSU may have its fair share of radicals, but the apparent (though not deliberate) low profile of that body renders their level of recognition muted. Thus the students known around the university for being 'political' will tend to have achieved this recognition via the Union - artificially enhancing any perception of a right-wing student body.
There can be little doubt that the traditional nature of this university serves as a magnet for those of a right-wing political persuasion, but so too does the existing perception that student politics is essentially a right-wing activity at Oxford - an impression in part brought about by Tory domination of the Union. If the more left-wing elements within the university wish to break this cycle (of conservative students gaining recognition and thus encouraging like-minded potential students to choose Oxford), they must seek to raise their profile, potentially by establishing a left-wing debating forum to truly rival the Union. Failure to do so can only mean more tweed jackets.
26th Feb 2004