Evaluate the view that Social Factors determine voting behaviour

Thesis Point 1 :Historical class alignment shapes voting patterns

Labour's origins in trade unions and working advocacy. In 1979, 41% of skilled workers and 49% of unskilled workers voted Labour; in 1997, 50% and 59% did respectively.

Anti Thesis Point 1 Class Dealignment

Partisan dealignment means voters choose based on personal interests rather than class loyalty. Evidence: Between 2010–2015, 43% of voters switched parties; in 2024, 8% switched from Conservatives to Reform, mainly over immigration.

Thesis Point 2 Regional Influence

North–South divide and regional culture shape political preferences; parties tailor policies to regional interests. Evidence: In 2015, SNP won 46/47 Scottish seats; DUP won 8/18 in Northern Ireland, reflecting local alignment.

Anti Thesis Point 2: rise of Issue Voting

Voters prioritise key issues like Brexit over regional loyalty. Evidence: In 2019, Red Wall Labour seats turned Conservative due to Labour’s unclear Brexit stance.

Thesis Point 3 Age and Policy

Parties shape manifestos to appeal to different age groups. Evidence: In 2019, 56% of 18–24s voted Labour (due to policies like scrapping tuition fees); older voters favour Conservatives due to property ownership protection.

Anti Thesis Point 3 Leadership/Image

Charismatic leaders can appeal across age and class divide. Evidence: Tony Blair’s 1997 campaign attracted all age groups (41% of over