Voting Behaviour

Question 1

Social class

Answer 1

AB social class tend to vote conservative with 45% voting conservative in 2015. 
The DE social class tend to vote labour with over 40% voting labour in 2015.
However, social class is less important in voting behaviour than it was historically. This is because new employment patterns and changing attitudes has led to dealignment (move away from class based voting).

Question 2

Regional voting

Answer 2

Regional voting is linked to class voting to an extent. In areas of NE England eg Newcastle there is a large regional labour vote. This is due to the coal mines that were previously situated in these areas, so these areas relied upon trade unions. However, in Scotland voting is not regional due to class but on issues eg Scottish independence. This is because the SNP were created to campaign for Scottish independence rather than represent a class.

Question 3

Age

Answer 3

Older people tend to vote conservative, 47% of 65+ year olds vote conservative whilst 23% voted labour. Young voters tend to vote labour, 43% of 18-24 year olds voted labour compared to the 27% who voted conservative.
Older people are more likely to vote (78% of 65+ year olds vote) compared to the 43% of 18-24 year olds who vote. (all of the figures from age are from the 2015 election)

Question 4

Issue voting

Answer 4

Individuals often vote for a party because they support a policy or issue. eg UKIP,

Question 5

Personality

Answer 5

People vote for a party if they like the leader. People viewed Ed Miliband as geeky and awkward which resulted in a fall in labour votes. Whereas, Nicola Sturgeon is a popular leader which has helped increase the SNP vote.

Question 6

Party Identification Model

Answer 6

This model is based on the fact people have a party that they call their party, they are long term supporters, rather than being influenced by campaigns or issues. This model believes the early political socialisation is of key importance, eg people support the same party as their parents.
However, this model fails to address the evidence for voter dealignment. Also does not take into account people’ differing views on important short term issues.

Question 7

The Sociological Model

Answer 7

This model states that people tend to vote in a group that reflects their economic and social position. So people, naturally fall into groups of people with similar political views to them (this suggest people vote based on class etc.)
However, this fails to take into account voter dealignment.

Question 8

Rational Choice Model

Answer 8

This model states we vote based on self interest. People are not aligned to vote and support one party they support different parties depending on which one is best for them.
However, this fails to take into account loyalty voters may have to a party. It also fails to take into account that people may vote for a party that does not hep them the most but it is morally right for the majority of society.

Question 9

Dominant Ideology Model

Answer 9

This theory highlights the degree to which individual choices are shaped by the process of manipulation. It is like the sociological theory with the addition of mass media manipulation.
However, this fails to take into account that people are aware of media manipulation and media may just reinforce a view that people already have.