Theories of inequality: New Right

The New Right Perspective

Overview

The New Right view is a political economic perspective that seeks to decrease state involvement in certain aspects of society. It asserts that the free market should be used to address most economic issues.
This perspective believes in meritocracy, which suggests equality of opportunity, with success or failure being down to individual effort and abilities.
Key proponents include Charles Murray and Saunders, who argue that social inequalities are natural outcomes due to differences in individuals’ abilities and personalities.

Ideas on Inequality

The New Right argues that inequality is inevitable and necessary for the functioning of society as it provides motivation for people to strive and achieve.
It suggests that high achievers should be rewarded for their efforts and talents, as this encourages competition, which in turn drives economic growth and progress.
The New Right criticises other theories like Marxism for ignoring the importance of individual competition and free market dynamics in societal progress.

State Intervention

Advocates for the New Right strongly believe in minimal state intervention. Too much social security, they argue, creates a ‘dependency culture’ and can result in lack of individual initiative or ambition.
They assert that welfare state provisions such as benefits discourage people to work and strive to do better, thereby, perpetuating and exacerbating inequality.
The New Right criticises the welfare state for promoting the idea that the state should bear the responsibility for social problems.

Views on Social Mobility

The ideology argues that society offers equal opportunities, and it is up to the individual to seize them. Those who work harder or are more talented rise in status, reinforcing the concept of a meritocracy.
The New Right sees social mobility as a key solution to achieving equality, suggesting that anyone can improve their position in the stratification system through individual effort and talent.

Critiques of New Right

Critics argue that the New Right perspective tends to blame the poor for their poverty, assuming that they do not work hard enough.
This viewpoint also comes under fire for ignoring structural or systemic issues such as class, race, or gender biases that may restrict opportunities for certain groups.