A summary of the impact of social and demographic factors on voting behaviour

Question 1

Summarise the influence of gender on voting behaviour

Answer 1

There is little difference in voting habits between men and women, though there is a slight tendency for women to favour Labour

Question 2

Summarise the influence of age on voting behaviour

Answer 2

This is a key factor. Older voters significantly favour the conservatives. Younger voters have a bias towards Labour and also tend to support the Green Party; this is a trend that has been growing since 1997

Question 3

Summarise the influence of ethnicity on voting behaviour

Answer 3

A significant factor that is somewhat blunted by low turnout and a high concentration in safe seats

Question 4

Summarise the influence of class on voting behaviour

Answer 4

This used to be the most important determinant of voting behaviour but is becoming much less influential

Question 5

Summarise the influence of region on voting behaviour

Answer 5

There are wide regional variations in voting patterns. Scotland is the most remarkable, with the SNP currently in almost complete dominance. The south of England is solidly conservative, leaving labour with a mountain to climb in that region. Thanks in part to Brexit, the conservatives have made inroads into lanour’s traditional dominance in the north of England