The Importance of Social Class in Voting

Historical Patterns:

• Political analysts argue social class is a crucial factor in voting behaviour in Scotland and the UK.
• Sustained and consistent pattern of class-based voting over the years.

Voting Trends by Social Class:

Ipsos MORI data indicates:

• D/E Voters: More likely to vote Labour (e.g., 47% in the 2017 general election).
• A/B Voters: More likely to vote Conservative (e.g., 47% in the 2017 general election).

Party Policies and Social Class:

Conservatives historically favour:

• Low taxes
• Reduced welfare support

Labour and SNP (in Scotland) lean towards:

• Wealth redistribution
• Increased welfare state spending

Example: SNP replaced Labour as the preferred party among D/E voters in Scotland.

Changing Dynamics:

• New employment patterns and evolving societal attitudes contribute to a shift.
• Term: Dealignment - Movement away from class-based voting.

Interconnected Factors:

• Voting behaviour factors are interlinked.
• Social class is connected to long-term factors like geography, age, or gender.

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The Importance of Social Class in Voting

Continued Influence of Social Class:

• Despite changes, evidence suggests around 40% of the electorate still vote based on social class.
• Social class remains one of the most significant factors influencing voting behaviour.

Conclusion:

While societal changes contribute to a departure from class-based voting, social class remains a pivotal factor, impacting voter choices in the UK and Scotland. The historical alignment between party policies and social class preferences underscores the enduring influence of this demographic factor in shaping political outcomes.