Core beliefs on gender roles

New Right thinkers generally argue that gender roles are shaped by biological differences between men and women. This leads to the view that men and women are naturally suited to different responsibilities, both within the family and in wider society. For instance, men might be seen as providers, while women are viewed as nurturers. This biological determinism – the idea that behaviours and roles are primarily driven by innate biological factors rather than social influences – forms the basis of their perspective.

Arguments against mothers in paid work

A significant aspect of New Right thinking is the concern over women's participation in the workforce, particularly for mothers. They argue that paid employment for mothers can disrupt essential family bonds, with potential long-term negative effects on children. This stems from the belief that a mother's primary role is caregiving, which is biologically driven and crucial for child development.

Reasons New Right thinkers oppose mothers working:

• Damage to mother-child bond - Time spent in paid work reduces the opportunity for close nurturing, which some New Right perspectives link to emotional harm in children.
• Risk of delinquency - Without strong maternal involvement, children may lack proper guidance, increasing the chances of them engaging in antisocial or criminal behaviour as they grow up.

Schlafly's views on women's roles and feminism

Phyllis Schlafly, a prominent New Right figure, provides a clear example of these perspectives.

Key elements of Schlafly's arguments:

• Fulfilment in marriage and motherhood - Schlafly believed that the most rewarding paths for women are as wives and mothers, offering emotional and personal satisfaction that careers cannot match.
• Critique of career pursuits - She argued that women who chase professional ambitions are following unrealistic or "false hopes," which distract from their natural inclinations and lead to dissatisfaction.
• Feminism as propaganda - In Schlafly's view, feminist ideas promote misleading narratives that undermine women's traditional roles, portraying them as oppressive rather than empowering.
• Primary goals for women - The core purpose of a woman's life should be to love and be loved, centred on family relationships rather than individual achievements outside the home.