New Right

• What are the 4 main features of the New Right perspective ?

  1. An emphasis on individual freedom and self interest

  2. Reduced spending by the state (welfare state)

  3. A defence of the free market and capitalism

  4. A stress on the importance of traditional institutions and values
• What is "an emphasis on individual freedom and self interest"

  New Right believes that the Gov should have minimal input in the lives of individuals i.e. not influencing or helping people
• Why does the New Right want "reduced spending by the state" ?

  - The New Right believes that individuals should be more "self reliant" and benefits creates a dependency on benefits and a "Perverse incentive"

  
  

  - They want welfare benefits to be cut, lower taxes, private healthcare & education

  
  

  - Reduced spending by the state would motivate people to work for themselves
• Why is there a "stress on the importance of traditional institutions and values"

  - The New Right love the Nuclear family, HATE lone parent families (any social policy which supports relationships outside the nuclear family are seen to undermine / threaten social stability)

  
  

  - Traditional education is highly valued
• What important functions does the New Right think the Nuclear Family Performs?

  - Secures social stability

  - Providing emotional security for children

  - Socialising children into the culture

  - Establishing respect for and conforming to moral values and norms
• New Right argues that rising social change has led to.....

  - Rising lack of respect and anti-social behaviour among the young

  
  

  - Lack of discipline in school and educational under-achievement

  
  

  - Substance abuse and crime

  
  

  - Dependency on welfare benefits
• What does Charles Murray say about the Underclass ?


  Charles Murray (1989)

  
  

  - Argues the welfare state has undermined personal responsibility and importance of support from families

  
  

  - "Underclass": a group of people in society who are long-term unemployed and dependent on welfare benefits
• What does Murray say the underclass is marked out by?

  - High levels of illegitimacy

  - Lone parenthood

  - Family instability
• What are Criticisms of the New right Perspective ?

  - "Underclass" = dehumanizing and offensive

  
  

  - Ignores structural issues: Poverty is not result of laziness but is a systematic issues of capitalism and patriarchy

  
  

  - Ignores the "Dark side" of the nuclear family