Murray identified an underlass which consisted of single parent families with addictions and poor education who were fuelled by state dependency which he argued created a sense of entitlement or expectation without responsibility. He suggested cutting welfare benefits to discourage lone parenthood and encourage work.
Murray‘a Underclass Theory
The underclass is a separate part of society, its members do not follow society's norms and values, instead they create their own. Murray likes to blame this group of people for the problems society has.
Murray’s Underclass Theory
They are responsible for high crime rates. The reason behind this is their rejection of mainstream norms and values. Murray believes the major reason behind the development of the Underclass is the Welfare State. The welfare benefits allow people to survive without working for what they need.
