Introduction to the New Right perspective

The New Right is a sociological and political viewpoint that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasising free market capitalism and individual responsibility. This perspective argues that certain social structures, such as inequality, are essential for driving economic progress. Thinkers associated with the New Right, like Peter Saunders, believe that a competitive economy relies on rewarding talent and innovation, even if this creates differences in wealth and status.

The necessity of inequality in a free market economy

According to New Right thinkers, inequality is not just inevitable but also beneficial in a capitalist system. It acts as a motivator for innovation and hard work, ultimately improving living standards for everyone. This occurs because a free market economy - one driven by private enterprise and minimal government intervention - thrives on competition and rewards.

Key arguments for inequality as a 'necessary evil'

• Incentives for talent and enterprise - People with skills and innovative ideas need rewards like higher income and wealth to encourage them to create popular products, such as smartphones or social media platforms.
• Importance of equality of opportunity - Equality of opportunity means that everyone, regardless of their social background, should have the same chances to succeed. This principle makes inequality more acceptable, as people view it as the outcome of fair competition rather than unfair advantages.
• Meritocracy and social acceptance - In a meritocratic society, individuals are more likely to accept unequal outcomes. They see these differences as justified by personal achievement, making inequality seem fair.
• Class stratification as a by-product - Social classes and the inequalities they create are a necessary by-product of society's demand for new consumer goods.

As a result, New Right thinkers argue that trying to eliminate inequality could stifle the economic progress that has raised living standards across all social groups in countries like the UK.

Criticisms of this view on inequality

However, this perspective overlooks how inequality can breed negative social consequences. For instance, those at the lower end of the social hierarchy may feel envy, resentment, or hostility, which could lead to increased crime or social disorder.

Charles Murray's underclass theory

Charles Murray, a New Right political scientist, developed the underclass theory in the 1980s to explain persistent poverty in the USA, later applying it to UK society in the 1990s. He described the underclass as a distinct group at the bottom of society, characterised by dependency and deviant behaviours. This theory links poverty to personal choices and welfare systems rather than broader economic structures.

The underclass

Murray argued that the underclass forms a subculture of poverty, isolated from mainstream society and its values.

Key features of the underclass:

• Dependency on welfare - Overly generous benefits create long-term unemployment and make people 'workshy' - unwilling to seek jobs because they prefer state support. This dependency discourages self-reliance and personal responsibility.
• Problem families and moral decline - The underclass includes many single-parent families, often headed by mothers, where children may have multiple fathers who do not contribute financially. These families reject traditional norms like marriage and monogamy.
• Poor socialisation of children - Children in underclass families are poorly socialised, leading to underachievement at school and involvement in anti-social behaviour.
• Link to rising crime - Murray claimed that underclass members were behind the increase in UK crime during the 1990s.

In Murray's view, the welfare state exacerbates these issues by removing the need for individuals to support themselves, thus expanding the underclass.

Evaluation of Murray's theory

While Murray's ideas influenced policy debates, they have faced significant criticism for oversimplifying poverty.

Criticisms of underclass theory:

• Lack of evidence for a distinct underclass - Research on people in poverty shows no unified deviant subculture. Many hold mainstream values, such as aspiring to work, and often take multiple low-paid jobs to survive.
• Structural causes of poverty - Poverty often stems from wider forces like globalisation, where companies move jobs abroad for profit, leading to low wages and insecure employment (e.g., zero-hour contracts). Neo-liberal policies, which prioritise cost-cutting, contribute to this 'precariat' - a group facing job instability.
• Government role in inequality - Policies like austerity cuts have hit poorer groups hardest, while failing to invest in deprived areas or education. This suggests poverty is not self-imposed but results from systemic failures.
• Scapegoating the poor - Critics accuse Murray of blaming individuals to divert attention from growing wealth gaps between rich and poor in Western societies.

These points highlight how underclass theory ignores social and economic contexts, focusing instead on personal failings.