New Right - Theories Flashcards
How does the New Right differ from Functionalism?
1) Functionalism describes how things are - in an idealistic way + outdated
2) New Right identity policies and actions about a situation and what they want to do - more realistic + up to date
What is the New Right based upon?
‘free market’ economics
What are the two central ideas of the New Right?
1) Stress on the freedom of the individual - stand on your own two feet
2) Conservative vales and a sense of community
What is The Underclass, suggested by Murray?
A group at the bottom of the stratification system which is characterised by crime, family instability and unemployment
What is Dependency Culture, suggested by Murray?
The welfare state makes people lazy, they rely on welfare benefits and this takes away the incentive to work
What are Traditional Values, suggested by Murray?
A return to these is needed across all social institutions if society is to improve
What are two contemporary New Right policies?
1) Tax credit cuts for married couples
2) Staying in education till 18
How does the New Right apply to the family?
- Discouraged single parent families as no male role models + more likely to claim benefits (Dennis + Erdos)
- Traditional nuclear family encouraged as can preform Murdock’s 4 functions
How does the New Right apply to education?
Chubb + Moe:
- private education gets better results
- marketise education
- league tables, ofsted, parental choice
What is the New Right view on crime?
People must take responsibility for their communities exerting informal social control to reduce street crime
What is Wilson and Hernstein view on crime?
Zero tolerance with swift punishments via fast tracking though courts and minimum sentences and fines (cost/benefit decisions become a rational choice)
What is Wilson and Kelling’s view on crime?
Prevent communities disintegrating by operation a ‘Broken Windows’ approach - damage from vandalism must be fixed immediately so that it doesn’t escalate
How does the New Right apply to beliefs?
- Secularisation has led to a decline in moral values + increased permissiveness
- Linked to some religious views e.g. right Christian
- Association with more conservative branches of religions including fundamentalism
What are 3 strengths of the New Right?
1) It is credible and believable/plausible and accepted (UKIP success)
2) There is a clear link between theory and social policy
3) Highlights the role of individual responsibility
What are 3 weaknesses of the New Right?
1) Marxists argue the New Right policies generate inequality; the free market would cause the rich to get richer
2) Feminists argue the stress on traditional family values is a step backwards for society - a return to patriarchal values and oppression
3) It ‘individualises’ poverty, blaming the poor for circumstances beyond their control
