A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to the New Right, what societal issues stem from the decline of the nuclear family?

1. Increased educational achievements

2. Higher rates of crime and delinquency

3. Greater cultural diversity

4. Higher employment rates

The correct answer is: Higher rates of crime and delinquency

The New Right perspective on family structures places a strong emphasis on the nuclear family as a fundamental unit for societal stability and the nurturing of responsible citizens. According to this view, the decline of the nuclear family can lead to various negative outcomes. One of the primary concerns is that without a stable, two-parent home, children may experience inadequate parenting, leading to a lack of discipline and social guidance. This can result in higher rates of crime and delinquency because children may become more susceptible to negative influences in their environments, such as peer pressure and societal neglect. In contrast, the other options do not align with the New Right’s viewpoint. Increased educational achievements are generally seen as more likely in stable family environments, while higher employment rates are also historically linked to strong family support systems. Furthermore, greater cultural diversity is not viewed as a problem by the New Right but rather as a potential challenge to the traditional family model they advocate, so it's not considered a direct consequence of the decline of the nuclear family according to this perspective. Thus, the New Right's emphasis on the nuclear family directly relates to their concerns about rising crime and delinquency in society.