Long-term influences on voting behaviour

Party Idenitification
1. Electors identify with particular party and loyalties are forged
2. Membership of particular groups can reinforced family influences
Social Class
1. Social characteristics can influence participation
2. Middle class expected to vote Conservative
3. Working class seen as pro Labour
4. Change in employment has undermined this long term inlfuence
Gender and Age
1. Women traditionally Conservative
  1. 1980s women more inclined to vote Labour
    1. Commitment to family matters
    2. Changing roles of women in society
  2. Men more likely to vote Labour because of Unions and work
    1. Gender gap reversed, men more likely to vote Conservative
2. Older votes - Conservative
  1. 2005 Labour and Lib Dems had support from more younger people
    1. Young people more idealistic + wanting more peace
    2. Families likely to vote Labour
      1. Look at policies likely to affect them
  2. Over 55's
    1. More realistic + Cynical
  3. Era of growing up influences voting
Ethinicity
1. More likely to vote Labour
  1. Labour viewed as more dedicated to social justice
    1. Lost support in 2005 from Muslim populations because of Iraq War
  2. Conservative stricter attitudes to immigration and race relations
2. Live in poorer, Urban areas

Resource summary

	Created by amyfeno about 10 years ago