chapter 1 - theories of the family - new right realists

Murray

- Single-parent families are part of a dangerous 'underclass' in society, representing a culture of idleness, laziness and fecklessness.
- Nuclear family should be in a private sphere and the government is becoming a nanny state.
- Damaging effect on boys who have absent fathers.

What is the underclass made up of?

Single-parent families, welfare dependant families, deviant and criminal backgrounds.

What percentage of single-parent families are matrifocal?

90%, with no positive male role model to perform the instrumental role.

Dennis and Erdos

Children, especially boys, require a male role model and if not can become anti-social.