Publication type
Research Paper
Series Number
11059
Series
IZA Discussion Papers
Authors
Publication date
September 15, 2017
Summary:
On 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (so-called 'Brexit'). This paper uses newly released information, from the Understanding Society data set, to examine the characteristics of individuals who were for and against Brexit. Two key findings emerge. First, unhappy feelings contributed to Brexit. However, contrary to commonly heard views, the key channel of influence was not through general dissatisfaction with life. It was through a person's narrow feelings about his or her own financial situation. Second, despite some commentators' guesses, Brexit was not caused by old people. Only the very young were substantially pro-Remain.
Subjects
Link
https://ideas.repec.org/p/iza/izadps/dp11059.html
Notes
Is referenced by: Ward, G. (2019) ‘Happiness and voting behaviour’ in J.F. Helliwell, R. Layard and J.D. Sachs (eds.) ‘World happiness report 2019 ’. New York, N.Y.: Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Ch. 3:46-65
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