Theories of INEQUALITY: NEW RIGHT
- Created by: livvcreely21
- Created on: 29-04-17 13:15
The New Right are similar to Functionalists in the belief that inequality is necessary for society. However, the New Right are more interested in the concept of choice and freedom. In contrast to Marxism, which has a collective view of society, the New Right is individualistic. They believe that individuals should be responsible as far as possible for their own life and that governments should play a minimal role in the running of society. The driving force in society should be the free market, this means 'without government intervention'.
The 'Trickle-down' theory is the New Right's belief that if the wealthy pay less tax and make more profit, the money they spend will stimulate the economy to create more jobs - money will 'trickle-down' and everyone will benefit. Magaret Thatcher cut the top rate of tax from 83% to 60% in 1979. However, it is still fact that the 100 most wealthiest people have as much money as 18million, which is approximately a third of the UK.
Charles Murray claims that the UK benefit systems mean that people who are part of the underclass (defined by their behaiour and ways of life) make a rational choice to stay poor, because it is easier to stay at home than to go to work. Murray says the underclass are often to focused on drugs and alcohol. They cannot hold down jobs and their children contribute to a disproportionate share of juvenile delinquents. However, Owen Jones would criticise Murray by stating…
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