What is "compassionate conservatism"

n. A political philosophy that stresses using traditionally Conservative techniques and concepts in order to improve the general welfare of society.

Compassionate conservatism is a political philosophy that stresses using traditionally conservative techniques and concepts in order to improve the general welfare of society. The term itself is often credited to U.S. historian and politician Doug Wead, who used it as the title of a speech in 1979, although its origins lie in paternalism. This label and philosophy has been espoused by U.S. Republican and Democratic politicians since then though in recent times it has been strongly associated with former U.S. President George W. Bush, who commonly used the term to describe his personal views. This philosophy has also been espoused in the United Kingdom by former Prime Minister David Cameron.