Long-term influences on voting behaviour

Long-term influences on voting behaviour

1. Party Idenitification

   • Electors identify with particular party and loyalties are forged
   • Membership of particular groups can reinforced family influences

2. Social Class

   • Social characteristics can influence participation
   • Middle class expected to vote Conservative
   • Working class seen as pro Labour
   • Change in employment has undermined this long term inlfuence

3. Gender and Age

   • Women traditionally Conservative
     • 1980s women more inclined to vote Labour
       • Commitment to family matters
       • Changing roles of women in society
     • Men more likely to vote Labour because of Unions and work
       • Gender gap reversed, men more likely to vote Conservative
   • Older votes - Conservative
     • 2005 Labour and Lib Dems had support from more younger people
       • Young people more idealistic + wanting more peace
       • Families likely to vote Labour
         • Look at policies likely to affect them
     • Over 55's
       • More realistic + Cynical
     • Era of growing up influences voting

4. Ethinicity

   • More likely to vote Labour
     • Labour viewed as more dedicated to social justice
       • Lost support in 2005 from Muslim populations because of Iraq War
     • Conservative stricter attitudes to immigration and race relations
   • Live in poorer, Urban areas