The Bifurcation of Politics: Two Englands. Issue 3 (17th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jennings, Will; Stoker, Gerry
• Is Part Of: Political quarterly. Volume 87:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 372
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2016-03-17
• Subjects: globalisation -- economic change -- anti‐politics -- class dealignment -- locality; Political science -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1910-1936 -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-923X.12228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3179

Abstract

Abstract: A dynamic of global economic development means that many countries are experiencing uneven development and their citizens are increasingly split between those who can access high‐skill jobs and those who cannot. As a result some citizens are living in cosmopolitan areas of growth and others in backwater areas of decline. There are emerging out of these processes two versions of England. In cosmopolitan areas we find an England that is global in outlook, liberal and more plural in its sense of identity. In provincial backwaters we find an England that is inward‐looking, relatively illiberal, negative about the EU and immigration, nostalgic and more English in its identity. This bifurcation of England is already having political effects, reflected in the outcome of the 2015 general election. It will further reconfigure politics over the next two decades, creating diverse political citizens and a complex array of challenges and dilemmas for governments, political parties, campaigners and political organisers.