audit of political engagement 9, part one
DESCRIPTION
The Audit series provides a statistical context to everyday speculation about the state of political engagement. In doing so, the Audits indicate the degree to which attitudes and behaviour change year-on-year and allows a fuller picture of participation and interest in politics. The Audits present the findings from public opinion polling on a range of political engagement indicators, updating trends published annually since 2004. The Audit considers six core indicators of political engagement: Knowledge and interest: (1) the percentage of people who feel that they know about politics; and (2) the percentage who report an interest in politics. Action and participation: (3) the percentage of people who report they are absolutely certain to vote at an immediate general election; and (4) the percentage who are politically active. Efficacy and satisfaction: (5) the percentage of people who believe that getting involved works; and (6) the percentage who think that the present system of governing works well. It also examines the public's reported levels of discussion of politics, charitable and political donation, and contacting of elected representatives.TRANSCRIPT
Dr Ruth FoxMatt KorrisHansard Society
Prof. Gerry StokerUniversity of Southampton
Chair: Fiona Booth
2
2011 – A momentous year
Audit of Political Engagement 9
3
The public’s response...
Audit of Political Engagement 9
disgruntleddisillusioned
disengaged
Photo: bengoldsberry, eBaumsworld
4
Propensity to vote
Audit of Political Engagement 9
Mean propensity to vote
(out of 10)
Audit 1 (2004)
Audit 9 (2012)
in 2012to
5
Certainty to vote
Audit of Political Engagement 9
in 2011
6
Why don’t we vote?
Audit of Political Engagement 9
Why are you going to take time out of you
day to go and queue or whatever, to put a cross
by somebody, that possibly you don’t know who they
are....and then they’re not even going to do what they say they’re
going to do...
...you’ve got all these reality shows that get folk to vote... everybody is caught up with the idea of voting… They’re happy to vote
7
Interest in politics
Audit of Political Engagement 9
in 2012to
in 2011
8
Audit of Political Engagement 9
in 2012to
in 2011
Knowledge of politics
9
Discussed politics
Audit of Political Engagement 9
in 2012 fallen to just
...started to get desensitised to it all…I started to stop watching it and stop listening to it...
I try to avoid it…I don’t see the implications on
myself. It’s all too confusing. I don’t
understand it – I ignore it. It’s just on the news all
the time...
10
What about Parliament?
Audit of Political Engagement 9
And one in two agree that Parliament deals with issues that ‘matter to me’
Two in five claim to know at least a fair amount about Parliament
Two in three agree that Parliament is ‘essential to democracy’
Only three in ten believe Parliament encourages public involvement in politics
11
What about Parliament?
Audit of Political Engagement 9
Proportion who have signed a petition (%)
….and fewer people are signing petitions
Audit 1 (2004)
Audit 9 (2012)
12
What about MPs?
Audit of Political Engagement 9
...the way they behave a lot of the time, you know, shouting out. Much of
it seems quite immature
nurserySchool playground
classroom
13
But despite our dissatisfaction with MPs…
Audit of Political Engagement 9
One in four (25%) would turn to their MP in the event of a problem, e.g. with local health services
Lower than your doctor/GP (44%)
BUT above:• Friends/family 16%• Local advice service/CAB 14%• Local council 14%• Local councillor 13%• Ombudsman 8%• Media 4%• Lawyer/solicitor 3%• Parliament 1%
Which roles and functions do people value?
Audit of Political Engagement 9
Representing UK’s national interests
Representing views of local communities
Representing views of individual citizens
Representing views of interest groups
Scrutinising new laws
Holding government to account
14
in 2004
15
System of governing
Audit of Political Engagement 9
thought the system of governing Britain worked extremely or mainly well
in 2012 just
agree
think getting involved can help change the way the country is run
16
The one thing the public can agree on is that getting involved at a national level will make little difference
Audit of Political Engagement 9
only
... we should be more like the French
in standing up for our rights
Photo: © BBC
17
Local involvement is seen differently...
Audit of Political Engagement 9
24%38%56%13%33%32%
In the country as whole
In your local area
think getting involved in their community can make a difference
...how is that going to help when other
people have already tried and
nothing’s changed.
…but only inclined to actually do something
18
Declining commitment to voluntary work
Audit of Political Engagement 9
in 2010 had done some voluntary work
in 2012 justsaid the same
Audit of Political Engagement 9
What other changes have taken place over time?
Born 1979-1985
aged 0
Audits 1 & 2
aged 18-25
Audits 8 & 9
aged 25-32
As people born 1979-1985 become older:
Knowledge of politics
Certain to voteInterest in politics
Political efficacyApproval of system
19
Audit of Political Engagement 9
What other changes have taken place over time?
The later generation of 18-25s
Knowledge of politics
Certain to voteInterest in politics
Sign petitionsPolitical efficacyApproval of system
aged 18-25
Audits 8 & 9
Audits 1 & 2
aged 18-25
19
Audit of Political Engagement 9
What other changes have taken place over time?
Audits 1 & 2
Audits 8 & 9
aged 25-32
The later generation of 25-32s:
Knowledge of politics
Certain to vote
Interest in politicsPolitical efficacyApproval of system
aged 25-32
19
Conclusions
20
Audit of Political Engagement 9
• A fairly grim picture this year – disgruntled, disillusioned and disengaged
• A blip or the start of a trend?
• What would the public like to see change?How does this relate to the coalition government’s political reform package?
Dr Ruth FoxMatt KorrisHansard Society
Prof. Gerry StokerUniversity of Southampton
Chair: Fiona Booth