A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to New Right thinkers, what do cohabitation and the increase in babies born outside marriage signify?

1. A decline in traditional values

2. Enhanced family structures

3. Advancements in education

4. Growth of financial independence

The correct answer is: A decline in traditional values

New Right thinkers argue that cohabitation and the increase in babies born outside of marriage indicate a decline in traditional values. This perspective is rooted in a belief that the nuclear family, characterized by two heterosexual parents and their children, is the ideal social structure. They view traditional family arrangements as crucial for societal stability, and any deviation from this norm, such as cohabitation without marriage or the rise of single-parent families, is seen as a threat to social order and morality. The emphasis on traditional values by New Right advocates reflects their concern that these changes lead to weaker family bonds, increased social problems, and a breakdown of community cohesion. They believe that family units outside of this traditional framework struggle more with cohesion and support, which can result in negative outcomes for children and society at large. Thus, the significance placed on cohabitation and non-marital births by New Right thinkers aligns with their broader critique of contemporary social trends that diverge from historical family norms.