Impact of Gender, Age, Ethnicity, and Region on Voting Behaviour (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Revision Notes

4.1.4 Impact of Gender, Age, Ethnicity, and Region on Voting Behaviour

Factors That Affect Voting Behaviour

Age

• In the 2019 General Election, voters aged 18-24 had the lowest turnout.
• Amongst 18-24-year-olds, 21% voted Conservative, while 56% voted Labour.
• This group is most likely still in education, and Labour policies, such as reducing tuition fees, appeal to students.
• Older people in the age groups of 35-44, 45-54, and 65+ tend to vote Conservative because:
  • They often hold high-level jobs and earn substantial incomes.
  • Conservatives favour the wealthy through policies like low tax rates.
• Younger voters are generally more progressive; their turnout can be influenced by:
  • Voting for Labour to support tuition fee reduction, increasing turnout.
  • Political apathy, leading to decreased turnout due to prioritising education over politics.
• Older voters tend to focus on self-interest and preserving their assets:
  • They prefer Conservative policies that protect their wealth.
  • Concerns that a Labour government might increase taxes on the rich and affect their assets.

Gender

• The differences in voting behaviour between men and women are marginal.
• In the 2019 General Election, 34% of women voted Labour, while 31% voted Conservative.
• Possible reasons:
  • Labour has more female MPs and a strong commitment to equality.
  • Female voters are drawn to policies that increase NHS funding and support a social welfare state.

Ethnicity

• Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) voters are more likely to vote Labour.
• In the 2019 General Election, 64% of BAME voters supported Labour, compared to just 20% for the Conservatives.
• Reasons for Labour support:
  • Labour's commitment to equality and economic support.
  • Historical connections: BAME communities have been employed in major cities and aligned with Labour.
  • During the 1960s and 70s, the Conservatives were seen as anti-immigrant, while Labour supported BAME communities.

Region

• Regional wealth disparities significantly impact voting behaviour:
  • The S****outh of England and especially the South East are wealthier and tend to vote Conservative.
  • Regions experiencing great deprivation, such as parts of the North, often support Labour due to:
  • Welfare and benefits programmes funded by higher taxes on wealthier citizens.
  • Higher concentrations of BAME communities, who are more likely to vote Labour.
• Labour dominance is prevalent in major cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester.
• Regional voting patterns:
  • South of England: Predominantly Conservative.
  • North of England: Tends to vote Labour due to economic conditions.
  • Scotland: Once Labour-dominated, now heavily supports the SNP.
  • Wales: Labour remains dominant.
  • Liberal Democrats have limited support outside of London and the South.
• Example of turnout differences: