Patterns and trends: social class inequality: New Right

Question 1

What was Friedman and Hayek’s theory about New Right ?

Answer 1

• Argue that the state need to minimalise responsibility
• This means families can manage themselves without interferences

Question 2

What was Saunders say when defending inequality ?

Answer 2

• Agrees with the principle of equality of opportunity
• Thinks that everyone has the came chances to compete for unequal rewards
• Argues that inequality is desirable and functional
• Critical of left-wing government - says middle class children should do better than working class children
• ^Criticisms of Davis and Moore can be applied

Question 3

What does Murray say about the underclass ?

Answer 3

• Looked at the rise in crime since the 60s and found correlation to the trend of children born outside of mariage
• Said that boys born to unmarried mother = ‘essentially barbarian’ and these boys turned to crime
• The welfare state rewards worthlessness and undermine the nuclear family
• Lone parent families can’t socialise their children

Question 4

What is the benefit trap and how did Murray suggest to fix this ?

Answer 4

• Unemployed are better off on benefits than in a low pay job
• This can lead to generational unemployment

Solution:
- Cut back benefits and force healthy adults to work and take responsibility in order to deal with poverty
- ‘You have to be cruel to be kind’

Question 5

What are the criticisms of Murray ?

Answer 5

• Most people on benefits still want to do work
• Only focuses on the poor
• Doesn’t explain the growing gap between the rich and the poor
• Chambers = lone parents giving inadequate socialisation is a moral panic used by conservative government
• Dennis + Erdos = The state should intervene to help if they have the means