Theories of Voting Behaviour 20 Marker Flashcards
Intro
Psephology is the study if voting behaviour and there are three main theories which are said to be relevant in explaining voting patterns. The sociological theory is not as relevant as it used to be. It will be argued the rational choice theory is more relevant than the sociological theory. This essay will also examine the relevance of the PID theory.
Sociological - Point
Argued by some to be the most relevant theory
Sociological - Explain
Based on long term factors & the idea that voters favour a party based on social class with parties appealing to certain parties
Peter Pulzer “ class is the basis of British party politics; all else is embellishment & detail”
Middle-class likely to vote Cons, working-class likely to vote Labour
Sociological - Example
1966 75% of ABC1 voted Cons whereas 25% voted Labour
Sociological - Analysis
Highly relevant in the past due to majority of working-class voting Labour & majority of middle-class people voting Cons
Voters categorised as working or middle-class due to high levels of absolute class voting
Sociological - Rebuttal Point
Relevance of the theory questioned due to a significant decline in class-based voting
Sociological - Rebuttal Explain
Due to a rise in class de-alignment in recent years
Weakening relationship between social class & party support
Due to decline in manual labour industries & improved access to education
Sociological - Rebuttal Example
2019 48% C2DE voted Cons compared to 43% of ABC1
Sociological - Rebuttal Analysis
Doesn’t hold as much relevance as it used to as class is no longer the most important factor when it comes to voting
Absolute class voting declined to an all time low
Rational - Point
Can be argued as the most relevant theory of voting behaviour
Rational - Explain
Views voters as consumers who vote based of their self-interests
Like customers who have different needs & wants, they vote on a party who’ll improve their circumstances
Rational - Example
Economy usually a key issue & the 2010 & 2015 election, the Cons seen more competent than Labour
Rational - Analysis
Holds significant importance
Relevance more important in today’s political climate than any other time
Clear if the economy is doing well, voters chose a party who’s doing well with the economy
Rational - Rebuttal Point
More prevalent in countries where electorate are more educated & have access to media outlets
Rational - Rebuttal Example
Brexit key issue in 2017 & 2019 General Election
Voters having extensive media access on the issue, helping them make a rational choice
Rational - Rebuttal Analysis
Effective to a certain extent
Those with media access are able to gain a better understanding on issues compared to those with limited access being unable to make a rational choice
PID - Point
Argued to hold some relevance
PID - Explain
Based on psychological attachment people have towards parties
These voters known as “partisan voters” who show bias towards ‘their party’ even if they’re not doing a good job
PID - Example
2005 40% social class DE voted Labour when they weren’t the best option
PID - Analysis
Highly relevant due to large amount of voters consistently remaining loyal to their party despite them not best suiting their needs
PID - Rebuttal Point
Relevance can be questioned due to failing to address de-alignment & today’s issues
PID - Rebuttal Explain
Fails to address evidence of de-alignment with some arguing class support for parties has started declining
Fails to take individual interests into account
PID - Rebuttal Example
Support for the 2 main parties has declined from over 95% in 1950’s to around 68% in 2015 voting behaviour has become more volatile
PID - Rebuttal Analysis
Not as relevant as it used to be due to failing to take issues into account
Evidence of decline is 1974 29% of voters were partisans compared to 9% in 2005
Conclusion
Rational most important in explaining behaviour in recent elections
Elections pre-70’s sociological dominant but declined due to de-alignment & voter’s increase in political literacy
PID less relevant due to decline in party loyalty
Means rational is most relevant due to increased media access
De-alignment has weakened links between class & voting behaviour
Voters more volatile leading to attachments to political parties
Increase in floating voters more likely to be influenced by short-term factors such as party policies
2017 election saw changes in support for parties during campaigns due to effectiveness of Labour’s campaign, poor reaction to Cons manifesto & improving perceptions of Corbyn’s leadership
