Political participation Forms of political participation Who participates most? Changes in participation Explanations of changes in participation

Political participation Starter activity Think of at least five ways in which people can participate in politics and note them down. How might each of the following affect how politically active a person is? Age Social class Gender

Forms of political participation Acting as a political representative eg MP or councillor Standing in elections or campaigning for party Membership of political party or pressure group Attending political meetings Fundraising Taking part in demonstrations Contacting media about political issue Signing petitions Voting Writing to MPs/government department Using media or internet to find out about political issues

Who participates most? Age Young people (18-24) are least likely to vote and join political parties but are more likely to join pressure groups and demonstrations Social class Higher social classes tend to be more politically active How could we explain these patterns?

Who participates most? Gender Fewer women become MPs and councillors but overall women are as involved as men in other aspects of politics. The largest number of female MPs ever were elected in 1997 mainly to Labour seats but women are still under-represented in Parliament. Currently there are 126 female MPs out of 646. Suggest reasons why fewer women become MPs and councillors.

Changes in participation Traditional forms of political participation are declining – these include: Membership of political parties Membership of trade unions Voting in elections The power and influence of trade unions has declined since the miners’ strike of 1984-85

Changes in participation Other forms of participation have, however, increased – these include: Participation in single interest pressure group campaigns, eg against closing hospitals, building airports Involvement in new social movements eg anti-capitalist movement, animal rights movement A protest by the Countryside Alliance – most of those taking part were from rural areas and had never previously taken part in a demonstration

Explanations of changes in participation Globalisation means some issues are dealt with at international level eg Greenpeace campaigns to protect environment Emergence of new forms of politics in post-industrial society - traditional parties and trade unions seen as less relevant

Explanations of changes in participation Class seen as less important in politics and issues relating to the environment, human and animal rights seen as more relevant Voting seen as making little difference so some people turn to unconventional forms of political action