Political Participation in Britain

Module code: PL3127

In 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union by a slim majority. Studies have shown that part of the Leave campaign's victory was down to increased turnout by traditionally under-represented groups and areas of the country, who tended to vote for Brexit. But why are certain strata of society removed from the UK's political process? How can the UK engage non-voters so they vote consistently? Why do older people vote and younger voters don't?

This module focuses on political participation in the United Kingdom. You'll examine the main forms and classifications of political participation in Britain, including traditional and newer forms, and individual and collective types. You'll apply relevant theoretical approaches which seek to explain why individuals and groups do and do not participate. Plus, you'll critique broader trends and patterns in political participation and how these relate to debates surrounding the health and functioning of democracy in Britain.