Political Preferences Flashcards
What traditional class and economic cleavages are there in society? Why?
Left wing parties tend to be favoured by more working class voters as a result of their support of welfare and wealth redistribution. Right wing parties are generally favoured by middle and upper classes due to defence of the free market, private property, etc.
What has happened to class-based voting today?
Class voting has generally been on the decline, owing to the decrease in the size of the working class and the growth of the new service (middle) class. There is also a changing relationship between voters and parties, which tend not to target policies at particular classes any more, broadening appeal across the electorate.
Why did left wing parties in particular face a crisis in the collapse of class-based voting? How did they respond to this?
Left wing parties had to change their policies and appeal to different voters after the shrinking of their traditional class-based electorate in order to win elections. This generally saw them move to the political centre.
What is a bi-dimensional political spectrum?
A bi-dimensional political spectrum is one that shifts from socialist/conservative on one axis, and from authoritarian/liberal on another.
What sort of parties have been on the rise since the decline in traditional class-based association?
Catch-all parties, those that have broad appeals across economic and cultural dimensions, have been on the rise given the decline in class-based voting.
