introduction and The New Right views on family diversity

The Rapoports

In their view, family diversity is not only a reality but also a positive and necessary development of contemporary life, as it allows families to adjust to individual needs and broader societal trends. Developed the 5 types of family diversity (CLOGS).

Robert Chester

Questioning family diversity

For Chester, most people still desired to bring up children in a two-parent family. Many families that are not strictly nuclear are based on the nuclear model. Therefore, he argues that the nuclear family is still the dominant family type in the UK.

Charles Murray

The ‘underclass’ single mothers

Murray argues that a underclass has emerged in society; with single mothers taking up a large portion of it. He claims that over-generous welfare benefits to single mothers contributes to the cycle of poverty in a household.

Harry Benson

The ‘uncommitted’ cohabitants

In Benson‘s view, marriage is more stable because it requires commitment while cohabitation allows partners to avoid responsibility. He urges the government to enforce policies that encourage couples to marry.

Patricia Morgan

Working mothers ‘harm’ their children

Morgan stresses that the lack of maternal presence in the early years can have negative impacts on a child’s emotional and social development. She calls for a societal shift; praising stay-at-home mothers.