Topic 4 : voting behaviour and the media key definitions

Social class

Social class

The way in which social researches classify people on the basis of their occupations and to some extent, their income.

Floating or swing voter

A voter who tends to vote unpredictably in different elections and who is liable to change the way they vote fairly often and who does not identify closely with any party.

Manifesto

In its manifesto, a political party will spell it in detail what actions and programmes it would like to put in place if it is successful in the next election- a set of promises for future action.

Class dealignment

The process where individuals no longer identify themselves as belonging to a certain class and for political purposes fail to make a class connection with their voting pattern.

Core voter

Voters who will inevitably support one or other of the main parties. Core voters mostly, though not always, fall into patterns based on social class and region. It is believed the core conservative and Labour votes have been eroded in recent decades.

Partisan dealignment

The process where individuals no longer identify themselves on a long term basis by being associated with a certain political party.

BAME

Short for black, Asian and minority ethnic

Disillusion apathy

A process of disengagement with politics and political activity. Having no confidence in politics and politicians as being able to solve issues and make a difference. Manifested in a low turnout at elections and poor awareness of contemporary events.

Abstention

When people refuse to vote, not on the basis of ignorance or apathy but because they wish to protest about the state of politics or the collective failure of political parties, or the lack of a party that effectively represents them.

Governing competency

The perceived ability of the governing party in office to manage the affairs of the state well and effectively. It can also be a potential view of opposition parties and their perceived governing competence if they were to secure office.

Mandate

The successful party following an election claims it has the authority to implement its manifesto promises and also a general permission to govern as new issues arise.

Public opinion poll

Poll carried out by research organisations using a sample of typical voters. They are mainly used to establish voting intentions but can also be used to gauge leaders’ popularity and the importance of specific issues in voters’ minds.