Voting Behaviour

Question 1

INTRO

Answer 1

There are a range of factors which are important in influencing voting behaviour. Many politicians take the view that social class and the media are the most important factors. This essay will examine the factors which shape how we vote in UK elections.

Question 2

1P

Answer 2

Social Class

Question 3

1E

Answer 3

Society is divided into different classes depending on a person’s status. It is defined based on occupation, income, education and home worship. Classes are divided into A, B, C, D and E, with those in A and B usually in a professional occupation such as accountants and surgeons. Those in groups D and E would include the poorest who may be in unskilled work or unemployed.

Question 4

1E

Answer 4

Historically election results have shown that those in A and B often support the Conservatives, whilst DE voters support Labour because Labour policies such as Tax Credits and the National Wage have benefitted the poorest.

Question 5

1R

Answer 5

However, class delignment means that there is an increase in middle classes and so the role of social class is less influential.

Question 6

1E

Answer 6

People are making more money, changing class and this could alter the way that they vote.

Question 7

1E

Answer 7

In 2010, 40% of DE voters, voted Labour.

Question 8

1L

Answer 8

Therefore social class is an important factor, but not as important as it used to be. Researchers believe that the media has more influence.

Question 9

2P

Answer 9

The Media

Question 10

2E

Answer 10

The media includes newspapers, television and radio as well as ‘new media’ such as social networking.

Question 11

2E

Answer 11

The media plays an important role in how a leader or political party and their policies are portrayed and parties such as the Labour Party, Conservatives and the SNP clearly believe that the media plays a part in influencing how people vote as they spend a lot of money on party election broadcasts to ensure that the public are aware of their policies.

Question 12

2L

Answer 12

This shows that the media can be a factor in influencing voting behaviour. The rise of social media has been important in influencing people to vote.

Question 13

3P

Answer 13

Social Media

Question 14

3E

Answer 14

Political parties use Facebook and Twitter to connect with voters and use social media to highlight their key policies. Social media is very important in connecting with young voters and encouraging them to vote. Politicians also take part in live web chats in order to gain votes. Overall, social media is everywhere and plays an important role in influencing who we vote for. Parties spend a lot of money on creating policy broadcasts and these are aired on TV. TV must be important if political parties are willing to spend millions on campaigns.

Question 15

3E

Answer 15

In the 2011 and 2015 elections TV debates were held between the main politial party leaders. This was important because millions of people watched these debates and this had an impact on who these people might vote for.

Question 16

3L

Answer 16

Finally, if a politician makes a mistake it could be reported on TV and this could have a negatuve impact on their campaign. However, many people believe that other factors such as issue voting and party image are far more important than the media. These factors may be important in influencing ‘floating voters.’

Question 17

4P

Answer 17

Issue Voting

Question 18

4E

Answer 18

People base their vote on the main policies and which parties will meet their needs. People may also judge the performance of a party and if they view that party as weak or disorganised they are less likely to vote for that party. Education, health and defence are always key policy areas in any election and voters may select parties which have the most policies in these important areas. UK politics is becoming more like US politics as people base their vote on the image and success of the party. A strong leader of a party is more likely to gain more votes as people can trust them more.

Question 19

4E

Answer 19

For example, in the 2015 election Ed Miliband was seen as weak and not assertive and this lost him votes. Floating voters are very important in UK politics and they might base their vote on the image and identity of a party.

Question 20

4L

Answer 20

Therefore it is clear to see that issue voting and party image is crucial as it influences voters in the days before an election takes place. If a party leader makes a mistake this could ruin the image of the party and result in less votes.

Question 21

CONC

Answer 21

The topic of voting behaviour is a complex issue as many factors shape how we vote. Social class used to be the most important factor but in recent years the rise of the media has influenced how people vote more. The rise of floating voters also means that party performance and issues is an extremely important factor.