Age, not class, is now the biggest divide in British politics, new research confirms

[Still Waters]

Quote

“Class is the basis of British politics; all else is embellishment and detail.” So wrote Peter Pulzer, the former Gladstone professor of politics at the University of Oxford in the 1960s. Nowadays, however, it is age, not social class, that is the biggest demographic division in Britain’s electoral politics.

According to the British Election Study, at the 2019 general election, the Conservatives won the support of 56% of those aged 55 and over, but only 24% of those under 35. Conversely, Labour was backed by 54% of those under-35s who cast a vote, but by just 22% of those aged 55 and over.

In contrast, support for Britain’s two main parties among those in working class occupations was little different from that among those in professional and managerial jobs.

https://theconversation.com/age-not-class-is-now-the-biggest-divide-in-british-politics-new-research-confirms-213699

[pellinore]

From the article:

So why might have younger people become more concerned about inequality, yet at the same time less supportive of more spending? The answer may well lie in the distinctive economic position in which those in today’s youngest generation find themselves.

The ageing of Britain’s population means that a larger proportion of government spending goes on health and social care from which older people primarily benefit. Meanwhile, while older people are in receipt of relatively generous pensions ......

... At the same time, home ownership has become more difficult, not least because so many are spending a significant proportion of their income on rent.

So oldies are getting all the benefits. In addition, the over 65s are more likely to have voted for Brexit, depriving younger people of a better future. Selfish, bitter, old people.

[itsnotoutthere]

First comment...aaaand Brexit. Bravo.

[itsnotoutthere]

"Brexit, depriving younger people of a better future."

How...exactly.