The New Right

The New Right

1. What is the New Right?

   • It was developed in the early 80's and took distinctive views of elements of society on the family, education and crime and deviance
   • In the UK, the New Right specifically refers to a strand of conservatism which the likes of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher influenced
   • They were ideologically committed to neo-liberalism as well as being socially conservative

2. Key Policies

   • Deregulation of business
   • Dismantling of the welfare state
   • Privatisation of nationalized industries and restructuring the work force in order to increase industrial and economic flexibility in an increasingly global market

3. Key names and arguments

   • Friedman and Bauer influenced economic policy of Thatcherism and Reaganism
   • Emphasis of laissez-faire (leave economic forces to do what they will otherwise it damages the economy
   • Chomsky (1999) The neo liberal (New Right order is concerned with minimising the role of the state. By doing this: a) power is transferred for democratically elected representatives towards financial and business elites. b) The conditionality of aid could be seen as morally unacceptable as well as counterproductive
   • Friedman argues that government should not be involved except for: a) Defence, b) Law and Order c) Provision of necessary public works that private enterprise does not find profitable to provide d) protection from members of the community that cannot be regarded as responsible individuals
     • Bauer a British development economist advocates a larger role to the government. i) Basic provision of health and education ii) Management of taxation and spending system