New Right Theories Of Inequality

Question 1

What do the New Right believe about inequality?

Answer 1

Inequality is inevitable and useful for society

Similar to Functionalist views, the New Right argue that inequality maintains order and stability.

Question 2

According to the New Right, what is the role of the state in individuals’ lives?

Answer 2

The state’s role should be minimal

The New Right emphasizes individual responsibility over state intervention.

Question 3

How do New Right theorists view personal responsibility?

Answer 3

Individuals must accept responsibility for their own lives and actions

This individualistic approach contrasts with collectivist views.

Question 4

What is neo-liberalism?

Answer 4

An approach advocating for low taxes and minimal state intervention

It is commonly associated with New Right economic policies.

Question 5

What do New Right theorists believe about state intervention?

Answer 5

It undermines economic efficiency

Excessive state intervention may reduce motivation to work hard.

Question 6

What is the New Right’s perspective on welfare payments?

Answer 6

They allow people to survive without working, undermining personal responsibility

This encourages dependency on welfare.

Question 7

What does the trickle-down theory propose?

Answer 7

Wealthy individuals paying less tax stimulates the economy and creates jobs

This theory was influential in the economic policies of Reagan and Thatcher.

Question 8

How did Margaret Thatcher’s tax policies reflect New Right beliefs?

Answer 8

She cut the top tax rate from 83% to 40%

This allowed wealthy individuals to retain more income, aligning with trickle-down theory.

Question 9

What is the New Right’s view on competition?

Answer 9

Competition is essential for driving up standards

They believe it creates a healthy society through choice.

Question 10

What did Liz Truss include in her 2022 mini budget?

Answer 10

Tax cuts for the most wealthy

Question 11

According to the New Right, why do we have inequality?

Answer 11

Inequality exists due to attributes and attitudes that the poor hold themselves

Question 12

How do Marxism and feminism explain inequality?

Answer 12

In terms of the structure of society

Question 13

What is the perspective of functionalists, postmodernists, and the New Right on inequality?

Answer 13

They see inequality as a characteristic of the poor themselves

Question 14

What did Spencer (1864) argue about poverty?

Answer 14

Poverty was good for society because it encouraged poor people to work harder

Question 15

What do cultural deprivation theories argue?

Answer 15

The poor have a culture that keeps them from success

Question 16

What is Sugarman’s view on the underclass and working class?

Answer 16

They seek immediate gratification and do not plan for the future

Question 17

What do cycle of deprivation theories suggest?

Answer 17

The poor transmit poverty to their children through poor socialization

Question 18

What does underclass theory combine?

Answer 18

Functionalism and New Rights conservative political thinking

Question 19

What are the two types of poverty identified by O’Brian (1997)?

Answer 19

• Deserving poor
• Undeserving poor

Question 20

What characterizes the ‘undeserving poor’ according to Jencks (1989)?

Answer 20

• More criminal than others
• Refuse to do well in school
• Unwilling to work

Question 21

What is Peter Saunders’ view on the welfare state?

Answer 21

It creates inequality by trapping people in poverty

Question 22

What is the ‘dependency culture’ according to Saunders?

Answer 22

People feel no need to work because they live comfortably on benefits

Question 23

What are the consequences of high benefits as per Saunders?

Answer 23

• Poor do not need to work
• Engage in tax-free cash-in-hand work
• Commit crimes to supplement income

Question 24

What is the impact of low education and skills on the underclass?

Answer 24

They often get low-paid work that is not in their interests to pursue

Question 25

What major new consumption cleavage is emerging in society according to Saunders?

Answer 25

Between those who pay for private provision and those who rely on state provision

Question 26

What are the three types of equality distinguished by Saunders?

Answer 26

* Formal and legal equality * Equality of opportunity * Equality of outcome

Question 27

What does formal and legal equality entail?

Answer 27

All members are subject to the same rules and judged by their actions

Question 28

What is meant by equality of opportunity?

Answer 28

People have an equal chance to become both rich and poor

Question 29

What is a meritocracy?

Answer 29

A society where individuals compete for success based on merit

Question 30

How does equality of outcome differ from equality of opportunity?

Answer 30

It ensures everyone ends up in the same position regardless of effort

Question 31

What is the main idea of Charles Murray's concept of the underclass?

Answer 31

The underclass ineffectively socializes their children and passes on a culture of dependence ## Footnote Murray argues that this leads to increased crime and violence in society.

Question 32

According to Murray, what defines the underclass?

Answer 32

A culture of dependence on state benefits and unwillingness to work ## Footnote Murray emphasizes that the underclass is not solely defined by poverty.

Question 33

What cycle does Murray identify as contributing to the underclass?

Answer 33

Illegitimate children without male role models, subsisting on welfare benefits ## Footnote This leads to generations of poorly socialized children.

Question 34

What does Murray suggest about the stability of cohabiting parents compared to married ones?

Answer 34

He questions their stability but admits he has no evidence to support that they are less stable.

Question 35

According to Murray, what is the relationship between the underclass and crime?

Answer 35

Development of an underclass is associated with rising crime rates ## Footnote High crime rates fragment communities and erode social capital.

Question 36

What effect does rising crime have on community dynamics according to Murray?

Answer 36

Communities become fragmented and informal social controls weaken.

Question 37

What aspect of unemployment does Murray highlight as problematic?

Answer 37

The unwillingness of young men to take available jobs.

Question 38

How does Murray describe the attitudes of older generations toward unemployment compared to younger generations?

Answer 38

Older generations viewed unemployment as humiliating, while younger generations are more accepting of living off benefits.

Question 39

What does Murray claim is a consequence of young men not working?

Answer 39

Communities break down and illegitimacy rates rise.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: Murray argues that when young men don’t work, they find other ways to prove themselves, often through _______.

Answer 40

violent crime

Question 41

True or False: Murray believes that illegitimacy is a problem only when it involves middle-class families.

Answer 41

False

Question 42

List the three areas Murray uses to support his claims about the underclass.

Answer 42

* Illegitimacy * Crime * Unemployment