Post-war British public opinion: is there a political centre?

Publication type

Book Chapter

Series Number

Ch. 9

Series

British Social Attitudes: the 27th report: exploring Labour's legacy

Authors

Publication date

June 1, 2010

Abstract:

The chapter shows that British post-war public opinion is pretty much one-dimensional, and largely corresponds to what most people think of as ‘left-right’ issues. Some issues are seen as existing outside the traditional ‘left-right’ framework - for example, attitudes to the monarchy or about Europe. However, many of these are being incorporated into the left-right framework.
The political centre has moved over time. Between 1950 and 1979, it shifted to the right. Between 1979 and 1997 it moved to the left. Since 1997, the political centre has moved sharply to the right. The public now appear less supportive of ‘big government’ than at any time since the late 1970s.

Volume

Volume: 203-223

Subjects

#514089

News

Latest findings, new research

Publications search

Search all research by subject and author

Podcasts

Researchers discuss their findings and what they mean for society

Projects

Background and context, methods and data, aims and outputs

Events

Conferences, seminars and workshops

Survey methodology

Specialist research, practice and study

Taking the long view

ISER's annual report

Themes

Key research themes and areas of interest