A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to New Right views, why are lone mothers criticized?

1. For successfully managing work and family

2. For being unable to provide sufficient discipline

3. For prioritizing their careers over children

4. For encouraging poor educational outcomes

The correct answer is: For being unable to provide sufficient discipline

New Right perspectives emphasize traditional family structures and believe that two-parent families are essential for providing the stability and discipline that children need. Lone mothers, in this view, are criticized primarily for the perceived lack of adequate discipline they can provide. The argument posits that a single parent may struggle to enforce rules and expectations effectively or to provide a balanced upbringing without the presence of a father figure. This criticism is grounded in the belief that the absence of a father can lead to less control and guidance, which could result in behavioral issues in children. While the other options address various societal perceptions of lone mothers, they don't capture the primary concern from the New Right perspective as clearly as the issue of discipline does. For instance, managing work and family successfully is often commended rather than criticized. Similarly, prioritizing careers or the assumption that lone mothers inherently encourage poor educational outcomes are not fundamental criticisms highlighted by New Right thinkers as much as the focus on discipline and structure within the household.