The New Right Theory: Stratification And Moore's Theory

The foundation for the New Right theories is nineteenth century liberalism which has been deemed as the free market within Capitalist economies as it is the best foundation for organizing society. Similar to their nineteenth century liberal equals the New Right theorists suggest that unnecessary state intervention in the economy has to be prevented. The state shouldn’t act to redistribute resources and restrict the mechanisms of the free market. This is done with the aim to weaken economic productiveness. Disorganisation worries were presented by the government unnecessarily using up the resources. The New Right theory suggests that state intervention could possibly cause individuals to lose motivation for them to be productive. New Right theorists

Furthermore, Saunders proposes that systems which reward alternative standings unequally can demonstrate that they provide valuable effects e.g. providing individuals with motivation to strive. Although, Saunders doesn’t argue that unequal rewards are the primary method with which society could fill the significant positions with accomplished individuals. Saunders proposed that within society each individual could be equal in their position with regards to economic rewards. However, this concept could present serious problems as some individuals could be displeased within this system if they believe some individuals aren’t dissevering of equal pay. Additionally, others who have previously strived may alter their behaviour and lose their motivation. When developing his own theory of Stratification, Saunders established three different types of equality. The first of the three is Formal or Legal equality which includes all of society being subject to equal laws or rulings. Individuals pass judgement on other based on their behaviour e.g. breaking a law and not based upon who they are as a person. The second of the three is Equality of Opportunity which means that individuals share an equal opportunity to become unequal. Individuals strive for achievement and individuals which possesses better merit achieve more. Merit can be about being an efficient worker or when an individual possesses attributes which are deemed valuable within their society. The third type is Equality of Outcome which is an extension of the idea of Equality of Opportunity. This idea presents each individual should be given equal rewards and effort and ability should not be taken into account (Haralambos and Holborn,