Past and present determinants of voting behaviour

Past determinants (1945-70):

• Class Voting- strong link between class and voting. Most voted for their 'natural class' party. WC voted labour whilst MC back Tories. Some exceptions and fluctuations.

In 1963 86% of social class A/B voted Cons while 75% D/E voted Labour.

Pulzer said 'class is the basis of British party politics; all else is embellishment and detail'. 

• Partisanship- Most voters stable, long-term feelings of positive attatchment to one of the main parties. Developed through socialisation and the home. Punnett said in 1971 'for most people, voting behaviour is habitual…