Ethnic Inequality- New Right Flashcards
Who discussed the underclass having a serious threat to society?
Murray
What did welfare reforms lead to an increased number of in the 60s? (Murray)
- never married, black single mothers
- black youths loosing interest in getting a job
Why did Murray think that increases in the levels of benefits was counter productive?
- discouraged self-sufficiency
- costly to tax payers
What did Murray note about the behaviour of the underclass in Britain?
- their homes were littered and unkept
- men in family were unable to hold down a job
- drunkenness was common
How did the children in the underclass grow up?
- ill-schooled and ill-behaved
- often became juvenile delinquents
(C) What does Murray ignore?
Economic divisions that lead to the creation of the underclass, like racial prejudice and discrimination.
(C) What can Murray be accused of?
Victim blaming, explaining the situation as if it was due to their behaviour.
What does Sewell say in his study about African-Caribbean boys?
Many are raised by single mothers, so many lacked a male role model and discipline provided by the father figure.
What does an absent father lead to for black boys? (Sewell)
More vulnerable to peer pressure, like joining gangs that emphasise macho form of masculinity, and reject authority figures like teachers and police.
How is black masculinity reinforced by the media? (Sewell)
- Gangster rap and hip-hop fashions
- News reports emphasising black street crime and gun culture.
(C) What has Sewell been accused of?
Victim blaming…
- African-Caribbean’s for inequalities they experience
- Black fathers for deserting families
- The Black community for failing to support youths
(C) What has Sewell diverted the attention from? Give examples
Real causes for Black underachievement:
- racist society
- institutionally racist education system
- economic deprivation
What are the two New Right thinkers for ethnic inequality?
Murray (underclass)
Sewell (black boys)
