6. The New Right and the Family

• Who are the supporters of the New Right view of the family?

  Politicians, journalists, religious leaders
• What do New Right supporters believe is happening to traditional marriage?

  It is breaking down
• What are the consequences of the breakdown of traditional family life according to the New Right?

  Poorly socialized children and increased crime
• What do New Right supporters wish to return to?

  Traditional family values
• What traditional family values do New Right supporters advocate for?

  Couples marrying before having children
• What is the ideology of the nuclear family according to the New Right?

  It is the best and most desirable family form
• Who is Charles Murray and what does he discuss?

  He discusses the underclass and family disintegration
• What does Murray argue about single mothers?

  They form a significant section of the underclass
• How does Murray believe children without a father-figure are affected?

  They are likely to do worse at school
• What is welfare dependency according to Murray?

  An over-reliance on government benefits
• Who does Murray blame for the situation of welfare dependency?

  Successive governments rewarding irresponsible behavior
• What does Dennis and Erdos argue about children raised by single mothers?

  They are more likely to suffer throughout their lives
• What major disadvantages do children of non-traditional families face according to Dennis and Erdos?

  Lower educational attainment and poorer health
• What social problems do boys raised without fathers tend to develop?

  Immaturity, irresponsibility, and anti-social behavior
• What do Dennis and Erdos believe about the impact of family breakdown on society?

  It causes problems that can persist for generations
• What does Phyllis Schlafly believe about marriage?

  It is the most fulfilling role for women
• According to Schlafly, what do marriage and motherhood provide for women?

  New identities and all-round fulfillment
• What does Schlafly argue about the traditional nuclear family?

  It is the best way to raise children
• What are the criticisms of the New Right view of the family?

  • Glorifying the past
  • Making value judgments about families
  • Victim blaming for family decline
  • Contributing to a moral panic
• What do critics say about the New Right's view of family history?

  They glorify a "golden age" of family life
• How do critics view the New Right's value judgments?

  They see nuclear families as superior
• What is the "victim-blaming" approach criticized in the New Right view?

  Blaming individuals for their poverty and issues
• What does Deborah Chambers argue about fears regarding lone-parent families?

  They are a moral panic created by media
• What was the purpose of the moral panic created in the 1990s according to Chambers?

  To justify cuts in government spending on benefits