In Moral Politics, what are the two metaphors used to describe political ideologies?

• A. Strict father metaphor for conservatives; nurturant parent metaphor for liberals
• B. Hands-off vs micromanaged metaphor
• C. Hero vs villain metaphor
• D. Sun and moon metaphors

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that political ideologies are built from family-based moral frames, with two primary metaphors shaping conservatives and liberals. The Strict Father metaphor describes morality as authority, discipline, self-reliance, and obedience to a strong moral order; government is there to uphold virtue, enforce consequences, and teach responsibility. Conservatives are characterized as aligning with this frame. The Nurturant Parent metaphor describes morality as care, empathy, protection of the vulnerable, and communal responsibility; government is there to provide support, reduce suffering, and ensure welfare. Liberals are described as aligning with this frame. Because these two metaphors precisely capture how Lakoff explains the moral reasoning and messaging behind the two major ideological camps, they’re the correct pairing. The other options don’t reflect Lakoff’s described framing.