A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to the New Right view, what do children in fatherless families miss out on?

1. Financial support

2. Social skills

3. Role models

4. Educational resources

The correct answer is: Role models

The New Right perspective emphasizes the importance of traditional family structures, particularly the role of fathers in the family unit. According to this view, children in fatherless families miss out on essential role models, particularly paternal figures who provide guidance, support, and examples of behavior. The presence of a father is believed to instill values, social norms, and discipline, which are considered vital for child development and preparation for adult life. By lacking a father figure, children may not receive the same level of socialization and skills that they would acquire within a complete family environment. This perspective posits that the absence of a father can lead to detrimental impacts on a child's social development and future behavior patterns. This highlights the belief that role models are critical for children to learn and adopt appropriate social and moral behavior, making the absence of a father figure particularly significant in the New Right view. The focus on role models provides insight into the belief that family structure influences societal outcomes, aligning with broader themes in sociology regarding the impact of family dynamics on individual development.