New Right Flashcards
What is Neoliberalism
An economic belief that the state should not intervene in education, health or welfare - ‘small government’
Is new right a consensus or conflict theory
Consensus theory but not everyone agrees it is
What ideas does the new right perspective combine
Neo-liberal economics and traditional ideas on social issues e.g nuclear family
What do the new right believe the purpose of education is
To be meritocratic and prepare individuals to compete in the global market - same as functionalism
How do the new right and functionalism differ with their perspective on education
The new right believe the education system is not currently meeting the goals of meritocracy and preparation for the global market as the state is involved too much. Schools lack accountability and do not respond to parents needs
What do the new right believe the solution to proper education is
Privatisation and removal of the state from schools
Marketisation
Increase choice of parents (parentocracy) through a ‘voucher scheme’
What does Charles Murray believe about the welfare system
It is too generous and encourages people to become welfare dependent - see it as a way of life
What is an ‘underclass’ and how is it created according to Murray
A separate class where being a ‘lone mother’ and an ‘irresponsible father’ is encourages
It is created through welfare dependency
What does Murray say is the cause of social problems such as educational underachievement and crime
The inadequate socialisation and undisciplined and lack of a role model (father) from the underclass
What are the two main evaluation points of the new right perspective
Contradictory: It wants to limit government intervention but believe that the role of sociologists is to be able to propose alternative policies
Fails to explain the root cause: NR blame the poor for their own poverty but fails to explain why people need welfare benefits in the first place
