New Right Theories Of Inequality Flashcards
What do the New Right believe about inequality?
Inequality is inevitable and useful for society
Similar to Functionalist views, the New Right argue that inequality maintains order and stability.
According to the New Right, what is the role of the state in individuals’ lives?
The state’s role should be minimal
The New Right emphasizes individual responsibility over state intervention.
How do New Right theorists view personal responsibility?
Individuals must accept responsibility for their own lives and actions
This individualistic approach contrasts with collectivist views.
What is neo-liberalism?
An approach advocating for low taxes and minimal state intervention
It is commonly associated with New Right economic policies.
What do New Right theorists believe about state intervention?
It undermines economic efficiency
Excessive state intervention may reduce motivation to work hard.
What is the New Right’s perspective on welfare payments?
They allow people to survive without working, undermining personal responsibility
This encourages dependency on welfare.
What does the trickle-down theory propose?
Wealthy individuals paying less tax stimulates the economy and creates jobs
This theory was influential in the economic policies of Reagan and Thatcher.
How did Margaret Thatcher’s tax policies reflect New Right beliefs?
She cut the top tax rate from 83% to 40%
This allowed wealthy individuals to retain more income, aligning with trickle-down theory.
What is the New Right’s view on competition?
Competition is essential for driving up standards
They believe it creates a healthy society through choice.
What did Liz Truss include in her 2022 mini budget?
Tax cuts for the most wealthy
According to the New Right, why do we have inequality?
Inequality exists due to attributes and attitudes that the poor hold themselves
How do Marxism and feminism explain inequality?
In terms of the structure of society
What is the perspective of functionalists, postmodernists, and the New Right on inequality?
They see inequality as a characteristic of the poor themselves
What did Spencer (1864) argue about poverty?
Poverty was good for society because it encouraged poor people to work harder
What do cultural deprivation theories argue?
The poor have a culture that keeps them from success
What is Sugarman’s view on the underclass and working class?
They seek immediate gratification and do not plan for the future
What do cycle of deprivation theories suggest?
The poor transmit poverty to their children through poor socialization
What does underclass theory combine?
Functionalism and New Rights conservative political thinking
What are the two types of poverty identified by O’Brian (1997)?
- Deserving poor
- Undeserving poor
What characterizes the ‘undeserving poor’ according to Jencks (1989)?
- More criminal than others
- Refuse to do well in school
- Unwilling to work
What is Peter Saunders’ view on the welfare state?
It creates inequality by trapping people in poverty
What is the ‘dependency culture’ according to Saunders?
People feel no need to work because they live comfortably on benefits
What are the consequences of high benefits as per Saunders?
- Poor do not need to work
- Engage in tax-free cash-in-hand work
- Commit crimes to supplement income
What is the impact of low education and skills on the underclass?
They often get low-paid work that is not in their interests to pursue
What major new consumption cleavage is emerging in society according to Saunders?
Between those who pay for private provision and those who rely on state provision
What are the three types of equality distinguished by Saunders?
- Formal and legal equality
- Equality of opportunity
- Equality of outcome
What does formal and legal equality entail?
All members are subject to the same rules and judged by their actions
What is meant by equality of opportunity?
People have an equal chance to become both rich and poor
What is a meritocracy?
A society where individuals compete for success based on merit
How does equality of outcome differ from equality of opportunity?
It ensures everyone ends up in the same position regardless of effort
What is the main idea of Charles Murray’s concept of the underclass?
The underclass ineffectively socializes their children and passes on a culture of dependence
Murray argues that this leads to increased crime and violence in society.
According to Murray, what defines the underclass?
A culture of dependence on state benefits and unwillingness to work
Murray emphasizes that the underclass is not solely defined by poverty.
What cycle does Murray identify as contributing to the underclass?
Illegitimate children without male role models, subsisting on welfare benefits
This leads to generations of poorly socialized children.
What does Murray suggest about the stability of cohabiting parents compared to married ones?
He questions their stability but admits he has no evidence to support that they are less stable.
According to Murray, what is the relationship between the underclass and crime?
Development of an underclass is associated with rising crime rates
High crime rates fragment communities and erode social capital.
What effect does rising crime have on community dynamics according to Murray?
Communities become fragmented and informal social controls weaken.
What aspect of unemployment does Murray highlight as problematic?
The unwillingness of young men to take available jobs.
How does Murray describe the attitudes of older generations toward unemployment compared to younger generations?
Older generations viewed unemployment as humiliating, while younger generations are more accepting of living off benefits.
What does Murray claim is a consequence of young men not working?
Communities break down and illegitimacy rates rise.
Fill in the blank: Murray argues that when young men don’t work, they find other ways to prove themselves, often through _______.
violent crime
True or False: Murray believes that illegitimacy is a problem only when it involves middle-class families.
False
List the three areas Murray uses to support his claims about the underclass.
- Illegitimacy
- Crime
- Unemployment
