To what extent is the New Right internally coherent?

I'm taking the exam tomorrow as well ( so nervous !! Good luck all.

Any exam question predictions?

Something on liberal attitude to democracy or difference between classical and modern liberalism for the liberalism 45 marker I think. Not sure that conservatism will come up at all as a 45 marker, there's only 3 each exam and it's conservative's 'turn' to not come up. Consequently, there's probably going to be 2 15 markers on it. Don't quote me on that though, anything can happen

No idea what could come up for socialism. I'd like something on their attitude to equality or the inevitability of gradualism. Still, it's probably my weakest ideology

Good luck to you too

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I'd start by outlining what the New Right is (radical form of con. emerged in 1970's, biggest impact in UK and USA), and then breaking it down into the two ideological camps: neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. You can then break it down into the areas under which they may or may not be coherent, starting with their view of the individual/human nature.

Individual
Outline the neo-liberal view of the individual (basically the same as trad. lib: robust, resilient, self-seeking etc, essentially egoistical individualism)

Outline the neo-conservative view (same as trad. con:, intellectually, morally, psychologically limited, Hogg: 'imperfect creatures with a streak of evil' )

Therefore, in terms of their view of the individual, they can be considered internally incoherent, since neo-liberals have a comparatively optimistic view of the individual compared to neo-cons. As an implication of their view on the individual, comes their view on:

Society
Outline neo-liberal view on society, as an implication of their view of the individual (Thatcher: 'no such thing as society, only individuals and their families', atomistic, people stand alone, all interactions are to promote self interest)

Outline neo-con view on society, as implication (organicism, society is a collection of interdependent parts, biological organism metaphor, imperfect nature of individuals implies that they seek a sense of security and belonging, society has been shaped by forces beyond our understanding)

Therefore, the NR is incoherent in it's view of society too. As an implication of their view on society...

State and economy (you can probably split these up if you have enough to say)
Outline neo-liberal view on state (belief in negative freedom hence desire for a minimal state, 'real of coercion and unfreedom', should exist only to protect natural rights, no intervention in the market, privatisation, the free market will discipline rather than the state)

Outline the neo-con view on the state (minimal state in terms of intervention into the economy, but strong state in terms of justice, law and order. Reaction against spread of permissiveness in 1960's, lack of discipline is root of social disorder, emphasis on role of state and traditional institutions such as family in restoring order, 'prison works', hence minimal but strong state: state authoritarianism)

Therefore the NR can be considered internally coherent when it comes to the economy, both opposing a mixed economy/supporting a free market, both recognise that welfare can create a culture of dependency etc. However, the incoherence arises when we consider neo-con support for state authoritarianism, compared to the neo-lib belief that the free market is disciplining.

Equality
Outline neo-lib view on equality (equality of opportunity, level playing field, equal chance to rise and fall, doesn't imply equality of outcome, meritocracy: rule by those with merit & who work hard, you are not fixed in your social position. Thatcher was the daughter of a greengrocer but became prime minister - evidence)

Outline the neo-con view on equality (support for trad. con. view of hierarchy, society is naturally hierarchical, Burke: 'natural aristocracy', there are those who lead and those who follow, fixed social gradations, link back to view of human nature in that people want and need people to follow)

Therefore the NR is incoherent in it's view of equality, because neo-libs emphasise the ability of anyone to prosper if they work hard, whilst neo-cons have a more fixed view of social status. However, it is coherent in that neither support equality of outcome.

Conclusion
Whilst it has elements of similarity, it is fundamentally incoherent, being based on two different ideologies (neo-lib on traditional liberalism, neo-con on traditional conservatism). Each ideology emphasises core principles which fundamentally oppose each other, hence so does each strand of the NR. This is evident in their view of the individual, society, state, and equality, although to a varying extent.

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That's how I'd answer it, hope it helps Of course, you could argue that the NR is coherent, but I reckon there's a clearer case for the opposite.

Good luck in your exam I'm assuming this is for Edexcel Unit 3B on Wed. I'm also taking it and can't quite get over how much there is to learn... the whole conservatism section on it's own is more than enough.