It’s The Proletariat, Stupid! The ‘Property Owning Democracy’ and Left Electoral Strategies

Abstract

This paper clarifies the significance of class indicators by identifying internal differences amongst the general working class, particularly that between a secure and propertied working class and a disadvantaged core in low-skill and relatively insecure employment. Lacking such ‘middle class’ assets this core working class also has lower electoral participation. Because they are less likely to vote, Left parties tend to avoid the more radical social and economic policies that would improve these non-voters’ lives. However, evidence from recent UK and US elections suggests that renewed policy commitments to combat economic insecurity, coupled with sustained efforts to increase core working class electoral engagement, might raise participation, gain votes, and increase left parties’ prospects of electoral success.