The New Right Perspective on Family Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the New Right perspective on family structure, their beliefs about family dynamics, criticisms, and the sociological implications.

What is the New Right Perspective primarily focused on?

A conservative and anti-feminist approach.

What is the New Right's stance on family diversity?

They are firmly opposed to family diversity, advocating for the nuclear family as the correct structure.

According to the New Right, why is the family considered a cornerstone of society?

The family is seen as natural and based on biological differences between men and women, providing refuge, harmony, and contentment.

What does the New Right argue is the cause of many social problems?

The decline of the nuclear family and the growth of family diversity.

What are the primary concerns regarding lone-parent families from a New Right perspective?

Lone-parent families are deemed harmful to children due to lack of discipline, absence of male role models, educational failure, and increased poverty.

What was the finding of Benson (2006) regarding relationship breakdowns?

The breakdown of cohabiting couples was higher in the first three years of life (20%) compared to married couples (6%).

What does the New Right believe is necessary for raising children?

Only marriage can provide the stability required to raise children.

How does the New Right view societal changes such as divorce and gay marriage?

They believe these changes are too permissive and damaging to family stability.

What is the New Right's critique of welfare benefits?

They argue that welfare benefits undermine the traditional nuclear family by creating dependency and reducing the financial need for marriage.

According to Robert Rector, how have social policies affected marriage?

Financial benefits for the poor have encouraged single parenthood at the expense of married parenthood.

What alternative view does Oakley present against the New Right's assumptions about gender roles?

Oakley argues that gender roles are not fixed by biology and vary culturally, criticizing the view that they favor men.

What is one argument made by feminists regarding the nuclear family?

They claim it favors men and is a fundamental cause of gender inequality.

What does Smart (2007) suggest about cohabitation and relationship breakdown?

He suggests that poverty, not a decision not to marry, may lead to relationship breakdown among poorer social groups.