Podcast Summary
Beyond Traditional Politics: New Ways People Engage: People are still participating in politics despite declining traditional methods, using nontraditional means like social media, online activism, and direct action.
Despite the perception of a participation crisis in the UK due to declining traditional methods of political engagement like voting and joining political parties, there is evidence to suggest that people are still participating in politics through nontraditional means such as social media, online activism, and direct action. The speaker argues that there is not a participation crisis and that people are still engaging with political issues and expressing their views. It's important to note that people's reasons for not participating in traditional methods of engagement do not necessarily indicate a lack of interest or apathy towards politics. Instead, it could be a reflection of dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and a desire for alternative forms of participation. Overall, the speaker encourages students to approach the topic with an open mind and to consider both the evidence for and against the existence of a participation crisis.
Declining voter turnout in the UK, particularly among low-income voters: Despite a decline in voter turnout in the 2019 UK general election, some argue that it's a complex issue with various contributing factors, while others view it as a crisis. Low-income voters have the lowest turnout rates, and some blame disillusionment with political solutions and the first-past-the-post system.
There is a concern over declining voter turnout in the UK, with the 2019 general election seeing a turnout of 66.6%, which is 9% lower than the average turnout between 2001 and 1997. This trend is particularly pronounced among low-income voters, with only 53% of them casting a ballot in 2019, compared to 68% of high-income voters. Some argue that this disengagement can be attributed to a lack of faith in political solutions to their problems and a belief that their vote doesn't count due to the first-past-the-post electoral system. However, it's important to note that turnout is even lower at other elections in the UK aside from general elections, with the Welsh senate elections in 2021 seeing only 47% turnout and London mayoral elections in 2021 seeing just 41%. While some argue that this is a crisis, others point out that turnout has been steadily increasing from 2001 to 2017 and that the decline in 2019 can be attributed to the timing of the election. Ultimately, the reasons behind low voter turnout are complex and multifaceted, and require a nuanced understanding of the political, social, and economic factors at play.
Challenges to increasing voter participation: Recognizing the importance of voter turnout, some disengaged voters still view the government as legitimate. Higher stakes and compelling alternatives can boost turnout, but party membership is declining, possibly due to shifting loyalties rather than apathy.
While some voters may feel disenchanted with the electoral system and choose not to vote, they still recognize the legitimacy of the government. Turnout tends to be higher when the stakes are perceived to be high, such as in referendums or close general elections. However, there is a crisis in political party membership, with only a small percentage of the population belonging to any party. Despite this, there are signs of increased engagement, such as the rise in youth turnout during the 2017 general election due to a clear alternative. The decline in party membership may reflect a shift in voter loyalty rather than apathy. Overall, while there are challenges to increasing voter participation, there are also signs of engagement and potential solutions, such as giving more power to devolved bodies or offering compelling alternatives to voters.
Decline of Traditional Political Participation in Unions: Trade union membership and industrial action have declined, but unions continue to influence workers' rights and conditions through various means
There is a decline in traditional forms of political participation, including trade union membership and industrial action, due to various factors such as legislation, changing work culture, and the perception of unions' effectiveness. However, it's important to note that not all unions have seen a decline, and some, particularly in the public sector, still have high levels of membership and active participation. The decline in strikes has been replaced by other forms of direct action, such as demonstrations and social media campaigns. Despite the challenges, there are still arguments that trade unions are not in crisis and continue to have an impact on workers' rights and conditions.
Employees standing up for their rights through strikes and non-traditional methods: Employees can make a difference by participating in strikes or using non-traditional methods like social media and e-petitions to advocate for their rights and influence decision-makers.
Even if you're not directly involved in traditional strikes or union activities, there are still meaningful ways to participate in political advocacy. The public sector strikes demonstrate the power of employees standing up for their rights. Social media is a non-traditional form of participation that allows for instant communication with decision-makers and a greater volume of political activity at minimal cost. While it can have negative aspects, such as hate speech, social media has also enabled direct interaction between constituents and politicians. E-petitions are another non-traditional method, introduced in 2015, that allow the public to raise overlooked issues and potentially influence parliamentary debate. However, the lack of debate on some petitions may discourage signatures. It's essential to consider a mix of traditional and non-traditional methods for effective political participation.
E-petitions can serve as catalysts for larger movements and legislative changes: E-petitions may have low response rates, but they can still ignite larger societal and political changes through collective efforts of pressure groups and public campaigns
Despite the low response rate to government actions on e-petitions, their significance should not be underestimated. While the influx of e-petitions may have devalued their initial impact, they can still serve as the catalyst for larger movements and legislative changes. For instance, the end of period poverty campaign began with an e-petition, leading to the scrapping of VAT on sanitary products and further momentum towards ending VAT on period knickers. Joining a pressure group is another form of non-traditional participation, which often combines e-petitions and social media campaigns with direct action through public protests. Although some members may only contribute financially, the collective efforts of these groups can lead to significant societal and political change.
The Power of Pressure Groups: Balancing Extremism and Inclusivity: People join pressure groups for personal benefits but are often influenced by unelected leaders. Recent legislation and police actions have deterred attendance at demonstrations. Focusing on relatable, specific issues can mobilize large numbers of people.
Many people join pressure groups for the benefits they offer, but the power in these groups often lies with unelected leaders, and the perception of extremist actions carried out by some groups can deter ordinary members from participating. Recent legislation and police actions have further deterred people from attending demonstrations due to fear of arrest. However, some groups are shifting their tactics to be more inclusive and appealing to the ordinary public. People are more likely to engage in causes that directly affect them, and specific, less abstract causes have been effective in mobilizing large numbers of people. For instance, the anti-Brexit demonstrations and protests against education cuts drew massive attendance due to their relatability to individual concerns. The success of groups like Acorn, which organized a demonstration against high rents, shows that focusing on specific issues can be an effective strategy for engaging the public.
People are engaging in new forms of political participation despite declining trust in politics: People are protesting, using social media, and participating in referendums due to the cost of living crisis and other issues, demonstrating a shift in political engagement.
Despite declining trust in politics following scandals, people are not becoming apathetic. Instead, they are becoming more engaged in various forms of political participation, such as protesting, using social media, and even participating in referendums. The cost of living crisis and other issues have motivated people to take action, even if the forms of participation are not traditional. The extent of the participation crisis may depend on the value placed on different forms of participation. Overall, the podcast suggests that people will participate when they feel it will benefit them and when it is easy to do so. The ongoing protests against no fault evictions in the housing sector serve as an example of this trend. The impact of these new forms of participation on traditional forms of political engagement, such as voting, remains to be seen.
