The New Right
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 2.1.4
The New Right Perspective on Education
The New Right (sometimes called neo-liberals or market liberals) believe that governments should play a lesser role in areas such as education and allow market forces to play a greater role.
Market forces
- The New Right believes that private enterprise based on competition between businesses is the most efficient way to run any service.
- They believe that services run by the state tend to be inefficient because, without competition, the service producers have less incentive to work hard.
Competition
- They believe that, because there are no customers paying for the service, state education is unresponsive to its customers.
- They believe that competition is essential to raise standards and higher standards will create a more educated workforce that can better contribute to the economy.
Changes
- They believe that the main purpose of education is to train a workforce, so there should be a greater emphasis on vocational training.
Influences UK
- The New Right has had an important influence on education policy in the UK, including:
- Allowing schools to be run more independently (e.g. academies and free schools).
- Wider parental choice and competition between schools (e.g. league tables and marketing).
Test yourself on The New Right
What does the New Right see as vital in ensuring high standards in the delivery of education?