Introduction to the New Right perspective

The New Right is a sociological theory that seeks to explain the role of families in modern society. It is heavily influenced by functionalism, focusing on how family structures support or undermine social order.

Core beliefs about ideal family structure

The New Right argues that the heterosexual nuclear family, consisting of a married couple and their children, represents the ideal family structure for society. This family type, with marriage as its essential base, is seen as something everyone should aim for.

New Right views on threats to the nuclear family

The New Right believes the traditional nuclear family is under attack and faces serious challenges that could lead to its decline. These threats stem mainly from government actions that have encouraged the emergence of alternative lifestyles.

Key threats identified by the New Right

• Alternative lifestyles - Practices such as cohabitation (living together without marriage), same-sex relationships, same-sex marriage, divorce, and single-parent families are seen as eroding the nuclear family.
• Government policies - Policies that make these alternatives easier or more acceptable are blamed for weakening traditional marriage. For example, welfare benefits are criticised for encouraging dependency rather than self-reliance.
• Creation of 'problem' families - The New Right links certain family types to an underclass, a group with distinct values that reject mainstream norms. This underclass is accused of fostering issues like school underachievement, avoidance of work, benefit dependency, criminal behaviour, and disrespect for authority.
• Social consequences - Such families are held responsible for wider problems, including inner-city riots, youth unemployment, street gangs, and teenage pregnancy.

To counter these threats, the New Right suggests governments should promote marriage through incentives like tax advantages for married couples over singles, divorcees, or those cohabiting. They also opposed moves like the 2010-2015 coalition government's legalisation of same-sex marriage, viewing it as further undermining traditional structures.

Charles Murray's arguments on welfare and family disintegration

Charles Murray, in works from 1990, 1994, and 2001, argues that the welfare state actively harms the nuclear family. He claims benefits create incentives for teenage pregnancy and single-parent families, leading to parents losing control over their children and family breakdown.

Dennis and Erdos on single-parent families and child outcomes

Dennis and Erdos claim that children, especially boys, raised by single mothers are likely to experience problems at school and poor health compared with children raised in nuclear families.

Evaluation of the New Right perspective

Criticisms of idealising a 'golden age' of family life

Critics argue that the New Right romanticises a past 'golden age' of perfect nuclear families that likely never existed. For instance, Bernardes (1997) points out that this ideal ignores real family issues like divorce, domestic violence, abuse, and poverty. This portrayal is 'too good to be true' and fails to reflect the complexities of actual family experiences.

Lack of evidence for 'problem' families and the underclass

There is limited proof that 'problem' families form a distinct underclass with unique values separate from mainstream society. Instead of blaming family types, critics suggest poverty is the true root of many issues, such as underachievement or crime. The New Right is accused of scapegoating groups like single-parent families for societal problems, diverting attention from economic inequalities.

Challenges to claims about government policy

The idea that policies deliberately undermine marriage lacks strong evidence. Marriage and nuclear families remain popular, with most people choosing them. Cohabitation often leads to marriage and may even reduce divorce rates by allowing couples to test compatibility. This suggests policies have not significantly damaged traditional structures.

Accusations of creating moral panics

Chambers (2001) criticises the New Right for stirring up unnecessary fears – known as a moral panic, where society overreacts to a minor issue amplified by media. This panic about 'problem' families is seen as a way to justify reducing welfare spending. In this light, the New Right acts as a victim-blaming theory, faulting vulnerable groups rather than addressing systemic issues.

Feminist critiques of New Right views

Feminists argue that social policies have historically supported patriarchal (male-dominated) nuclear families, not undermined them. These policies often reinforce women's roles as primary caregivers, limiting their opportunities in work, income, and power. By idealising traditional families, the New Right overlooks how such structures can confine women and perpetuate gender inequalities.