However, evidence suggests that around 40 per cent of the electorate continue to vote according to their social class which means social class remains one of the most important factors affecting voting behaviour. An example of this would be how social class is linked to other long-term factors, eg geography, age or gender. Political analysts would argue that the factors affecting voting behaviour are inter-linked. The term given to the movement away from class-based voting is dealignment. With new employment patterns and changing attitudes within society, evidence suggests voters are less likely to vote according to their class than in the past. Although many have hypothesized that neighborhoods and social context are important influences on the decision to vote, the data to study these phenomenon. These policies appeal to less well-off voters in social classes D/E. For example, higher taxes on wealthier people and higher spending on the welfare state. Labour, and in recent elections the SNP in Scotland, favour policies that redistribute wealth or provide greater support. These types of policies appeal to wealthier people in social classes A/B who are less reliant on the state. The Conservatives have a tradition of favouring low taxes and reduced welfare support. One reason to explain the close link between social class and voting behaviour is the historic differences in party policies. Voters in social classes A/B are more likely to vote for the Conservatives with 45 percent of A/B voters choosing the Conservatives in the 2015 general election. In Scotland, where the SNP won 56 of the 59 seats, the SNP replaced Labour for the first time as the most popular party amongst D/E voters. Over the years there has been a sustained and consistent pattern of class-based voting.Īccording to Ipsos MORI voters in social classes D/E are more likely to vote Labour, eg in the 2015 general election 41 per cent of D/E voters chose Labour. Some political analysts argue social class remains the most important factor affecting voting behaviour in both Scotland and the UK.
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