According to right realists the Welfare State created a monster in that it created dependency; individuals in society began to fail to take responsibility for themselves, thus resulting in a moral decline.
In David Marsland’s article he challenges the most fashionable explanation of begging, stating that it is neither a result of capitalism nor poverty, this can be supported by Wilson’s criticism of the thesis in which he argues that affluence and prosperity may go hand in hand with rising crime:
“…one might well have answered that crime could best be curtailed by reducing poverty, increasing educational attainment, eliminating dilapidated housing…Early in the decade of the 1960’s, this country began the longest sustained period of prosperity since World War II…Crime soared. It did not just increase a little; it rose at a faster rate and to higher levels than at any time since the 1930’s.” (Wilson, 1975).
Marsland also highlights what he believes is causing the rise in modern begging; his views include:
- “The hand-out culture of the decaying Welfare State”
- “The cultivation of tolerance for ‘doing nothing’ and ‘doing your own thing’ by teachers, intellectuals and political leaders.”
- “The impact values of the sloppy alien thinking of the 1960’s.”
Marsland’s opinion of the Welfare State being partially to blame for an increase in modern begging can be backed up by the suggestion of Murray, (1990). Murray, amongst other writers blames the Welfare State for withdrawing moral fibre from society and threatening family values. They picture a ‘nanny state’ weakening work ethics as a result of over dependency on welfare.
It is from evidence in the article written by David Marsland, that we can positively say that he supports right realism.
Question 2
Reflecting on the adaptation from F.Field ‘An Agenda for Britain’, it is apparent that Field’s view differs extensively from that of Marsland and the right realist approach. In reference to begging, Field blames poverty and unemployment, and questions- “not why there are so many crimes committed in inner-city areas, it is, rather, why aren’t there more?”
Field show’s respect for beggars; he points out how they attempt to keep clean, how they queue quietly to get food and how they endeavour not to bring attention to themselves with the exception of when they are begging, and even then they sit peacefully. Field also brings awareness to the fact that some beggars drink, and states how he believes it is amazing that they don’t want to be drunk all the time!
From reading Field’s work it is evident that he opposes the right realist approach, and in reference to beggars, it seems he very much sympathises with them.
Bibliography
Class notes
Field, F. An Agenda for Britain (Harper Collins, London, 1993)
Lawson, T. and Heaton, T. Crime and Deviance (1999)
Marsland, D. How to sweep these beggars from our streets (adaptation form Daily Mail, 1994)
Murray, C. The Emerging British Underclass (Institute of Economic Affairs, London, 1990)
Taylor, P et al. Sociology in focus (1999)
Wilson, J.Q. Thinking about Crime (Basic Books, New York, 1975)