There are many inferences and interpretations relating to the variations of political engagement, with ideas of disengagement occurring in consequence of individual citizens failing to live up to their democratic obligations, as well as the way in which socioeconomic structures in society may prevent particular people from participating in democracy fully and on an equal basis. Nonetheless it is to be identified regardless of such causes of differing engagement levels, groups that occupy a higher level of participation will also occupy a higher level of influence (Uberoi and Johnston, 2021).

Where do inequalities regarding political engagement stem?

Although there are no preventions disallowing people from engaging in politics except age, it can be argued there are underlying deterrents which may hinder people as a result of feeling like ‘it is not for them’. Ultimately the UK, in effect, namely occupies a democracy in which is argued, allows all citizens to have a voice in decisions that would effect all (Scott and Marshall, 2014). As such as Lawrence (2015) highlights if certain groups, individuals or classes dominate the process, or others are not effectively considered, democracy is undermined.

Arguably, it may be noted, in my own opinion, looking at the state of political engagement within the UK, democracy has already and is continuously being undermined. There are various reasons for this, particularly a lack of representation of members of the public from underprivileged communities, long-standing socioeconomic inequalities in voice and power, distrust and feelings of alienation from politicians and the elite.

In a report conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in 2014 they highlighted political inequality as being the case of certain individuals or groups having greater influence over political decision-making, subsequently benefiting from unequal outcomes through those decisions, despite procedural equality in the democratic process (Uberoi and Johnston, 2021).

Lack of Representation

A key factor which contributes to the inequalities experienced by those attributed with the title of less privileged, may formulate in result of the lack of representation in the Houses of Parliament, where many MPs and certainly the overwhelming majority, are of white heritage with backgrounds of privilege, high status and financial supremacy. A standard of living very different to the masses in which they are attempting to appeal, thus, a division occurs further promoting disengagement where ordinary people become isolated and estranged from the political system. Various forms of inequalities may be categorised under a lack of representation leading to political disengagement.

For instance research conducted by the house of commons highlights categories of age, gender, social grade and ethnicity as contributing factors of disengagement and inequality. Firstly, age; where young people are less likely to register to vote, vote, and be elected, although older people tend to have more negative attitudes towards politics, additionally the average age of councillors, MPs and candidates is over 50. Secondly, gender; as a result of an unbalanced ratio of women to men in parliament, where women are underrepresented, they tend to have a negative attitude towards politics compared to men. Although research suggests women and men are both as equally likely to register to vote and usually vote, however they were less likely to vote at the 2019 general election. Thirdly, social grade; evidence suggests unskilled workers and the long-term unemployed are more politically disengaged than people from other occupational backgrounds. Lastly, ethnicity; where people of minority ethnic backgrounds are less likely to be registered to vote, vote and be elected. In comparison people from white groups are more likely to have negative attitudes to politics and participate less in political activities (Uberoi and Johnston, 2021).

Unbalances in various groups regarding political engagement in consequence of inequality

The bar chart on the left shows the differences in engagement among white and ethnic groups, with white groups having greater engagement. Research suggests those from ethnic minority backgrounds are generally less likely to vote than their white counterparts. This may be in consequence of many factors, although significantly reasoning for minorities not voting is ironically due to being minorities. As they do not see a representation or appeal from parties to them, the better option is not vote at all in some occasions, thus a vicious cycle manifests where inequalities are concurrent and reproduced. Nonetheless, it is helpful to note a party in which historically attracts minorities is the Labour Party, demonstrating they take some steps in appealing a demographic (Uberoi and Johnston).

 

Another category which relates to inequality and political engagement under the classification of socioeconomic groups, can be assessed through the use of the proxy ‘social grade’, which captures the dimensions of income, housing, profession and level of education.

 

The table above demonstrates the grades, in some cases they may be grouped together in which the chart below demonstrates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research suggests those from unemployed backgrounds or of low skill are more likely to have negative attitudes towards politics and politicians and thus reluctant to get involved and vote. This permeates an entrenching of existing inequalities, where such citizens reluctant to get involved may be unable to get involved as a result of lack of skills, finances, exposure and resources. Therefore, it can be argued that in order to entice them to engage, steps of exposure, adequate resources and educational development must be put in place.

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you’ve been able to learn something new, feel free to leave a comment!

 

 

 

 

References:

Lawrence, M. (2015). Political inequality: Why British democracy must be reformed and revitalised. [PDF] Institute for Public Policy Research- IPPR. Available at: https://www.ippr.org/files/publications/pdf/political-inequality_Apr2015.pdf (Accessed 11/03/21).

Scott, J and Marshall, G (2014). A dictionary of sociology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Uberoi, E. and Johnston, N., 2021. Political disengagement in the UK: who is disengaged?. [online] Available at: <https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7501/CBP-7501.pdf> [Accessed 12 March 2022].