New right

The new right is a perspective that appeared in the late 20th century and is associated with conservative values and thinkers such as Charles Murray

Key beliefs

  • The nuclear family is the ideal family type

  • Family should be self reliant- Provides socialisation, emotional support and discipline

  • Traditional gender roles are important- Men as breadwinners

  • They are against state intervention in family life (Welfare dependency)

  • Moral decline is blamed for the breakdown of the family

Criticisms of family diversity

The new right are critical off-

  • Lone parent families (especially single mothers)- The believe that this leads to a lack of discipline, poor educational outcomes and dependency on welfare

  • Same sex families- Believe that these undermine traditional family views

  • Cohabitation and divorce- seen as contributing to family instability and breakdown

Key sociologists

Charles Murray-

  • Argues that the welfare state has created an underclass

  • Lone parent families create dependency culture where people rely on benefits

  • Young men may grow up without role models, leading to anti-social behaviour

David Marsland

  • Welfare state undermines personal responsibility and family values

  • Believes in self-reliance and strong moral values enforced through the traditional family’s

Strengths of the new right

  • Highlights the importance of socialisation in shaping children’s behaviour

  • Draws attention to family instability and consequences for society

  • Reflects public concerns during periods of increasing divorce and rising single parent households

Criticisms

Feminists- Say it blames women and ignores the positive aspects of diverse family types

Marxists- Say it ignores how capitalism ignores family problems like poverty

Postmodernists- Argues family diversity is not a problem, it reflects individual choice

Ignores inequality, abuse and oppression that can occur within nuclear family’s