Murray- Right Realists

Who is Charles Murray?

• He is linked to the New Right perspective and has advocated privatisation and personal responsibility rather than state control

• Influenced by ideas of neo-liberal economics which suggests reduced state spending and lower taxation - provides people with more choice and greater independence

What is the underclass?

• Murray has argued that there is an existence of an underclass in society

• This group exists on the edge of mainstream society and lacks socialisation into the norms and values of society

• Decline of traditional family values, with lone parents,

• High unemployment and dependence on benefits

What is family and socialisation?

• Murray has been critical of welfare dependency - permissive policies that have promoted idleness and illegitimacy

• Suggested that there was an underclass of 'idle young men' being inadequately socialised by lone parents - lacked male role models to discipline them

What is inadequate socialisation?

• The new Right model looks to traditional functionalist gender roles, particularly the instrumental role of the father providing discipline

• Murray's argument suggests that in the underclass many fathers shirk responsibility and are absent - leaving their sons to be inadequately socialised

What are shadow economies?

• Young males lack motivation and resilience, according to Murray, which is provided by father figures

• Look to earn through working in shadow economies - counterfeit goods, drug dealing, low-level security work

• Gain status through masculinity and not conforming to social norms and values

What is the application of Murray’s views?

• Influenced Conservative policy on welfare and family life

• Media commentary on the role of working-class and black fathers

• Application of parenting classes for parents of delinquent children