The new right

what type of view is the new right

political theory

conservative political view that incorporates neoliberal economic ideas

what is the central principle of the new right

the state cannot meet people’s needs and that people are best fit to meet their own needs through the free market

what is the free market

the idea that there is an unregulated system of economic exchange

this means there’s minimal or no government control on taxes, tarriffs and other forms of government control

what is neoliberal

favouring policies that promote the free market capitalism, deregulation and reduction in government spending

Friedrich von Hayek

shocked by communist soviet union and the fascists regime of the Nazi’s

Hayek refelcted on this insisting on a free market in allocating resources claiming that the state planning was coercive

claimed strong states damaged society as it restricted personal freedom

what are Charles Murray’s four simple educational truths

• Ability varies. Children differ in their learning abilities, and this variation is real and significant.

• Half of the children are below average. Statistically, with a normal distribution, 50% of kids must fall below the average level of performance.

• Too many people are going to college. Not everyone benefits from a college education; over-enrollment leads to lower standards and devalues the degree.

• America’s future depends on how we educate the academically gifted. To secure the country’s future leadership and progress, special attention must be given to those with high academic potential.

what do New Right thinkers believe

like functionalists, New Right Thinkers belive that different parts of society work together for the common good

New Right thinkers belive that individuals/ free market economy are better at making decisions than the government. They want minimal governments intervention.

functionalists and New Right thinkers are in favour of Meritocracy

1. Individualism and Personal Responsibility

• Society functions best when individuals take responsibility for their own lives, work hard, and don’t rely excessively on the state.

• Welfare dependency and excessive government support create a “culture of dependency” that harms motivation and self-reliance.

2. Free Market and Economic Liberalism

• The free market is the most efficient way to organize the economy and society.

• Competition drives innovation, quality, and efficiency.

• Government intervention often leads to inefficiency and bureaucracy.

3. Limited Government and State Intervention

• The state should have a minimal role, especially in areas like welfare and education.

• They argue for privatization, deregulation, and reducing public spending.

4. Education as a Market

• Schools should compete for students and funding, similar to businesses competing in a market.

• This competition improves standards and offers parents choice.

• They criticize state-run education for being bureaucratic and failing to prepare young people adequately for the workforce.

5. Traditional Values and Social Order

• Emphasis on law and order, discipline, and traditional family structures.

• Believe these values help maintain social cohesion and prevent moral decline.

6. Meritocracy

• Society should reward talent and effort fairly.

• Inequality is acceptable if it reflects differences in ability and hard work, not unfair advantage.

how do new right thinkers differ from functionalists

new right thinkers focus more on who is to blame when society isn’t functioning perfectly

they look for scapegoats to blame for society’s problems. e.g. single parents, the poor and the ‘underclass’

functionalists generally support state intervention

criticisms of the new right

1. economic policies e.g. privatisation or tax cuts for wealthy benefit the rich

2. cut welfare programmes - minimal state intervention often leads to cuts in welfare programs and social safety nets. Critics contend that this harms vulnerable populations, increases poverty, and shifts the burden of care from the state to individuals or underfunded charities, leading to greater social hardship.

3. free market capitalism is criticised for empowering large corporations at the expense of workers

4. promoting globalization and free trade can cause job loss particularly in manufacturing - he New Right's promotion of globalization and unrestricted free trade can result in domestic job losses, particularly in manufacturing sectors. Companies may relocate to countries with lower labor costs or fewer regulations, displacing local workers and leading to economic instability in affected regions.

5. nationalism can lead to isolationism that weakens diplomatic relations and rhetoric on national identity can lead to alienation of minority

example of a new right policy

The Welfare Reform Act (2012) introduced by the coalition government aimed to reduce welfare dependency and promote work incentives. Universal Credit simplified benefits and ensured financial gain from working. The act tightened benefit eligibility and increased sanctions for those not seeking work, reflecting New Right emphasis on personal responsibility and opposition to a “culture of dependency.”