British Political Culture & British Political Culture & What Britons Quarrel AboutWhat Britons Quarrel About

Characteristics of Political CultureCharacteristics of Political Culture Legitimacy of British gov’t evidenced by Legitimacy of British gov’t evidenced by

willingness of English people to obey lawwillingness of English people to obey law Britain’s police force is smaller than most advanced Britain’s police force is smaller than most advanced

democraciesdemocracies Crimes tend to be based on individual violence, not Crimes tend to be based on individual violence, not

against stateagainst state Except Northern Ireland – IRAExcept Northern Ireland – IRA More recently - terrorismMore recently - terrorism

Noblesse obligeNoblesse oblige and social class and social class Duty of upper classes to take responsibility for Duty of upper classes to take responsibility for

welfare of lower classeswelfare of lower classes Dates to feudal timesDates to feudal times Today is reflected in general willingness of British Today is reflected in general willingness of British

to accept a welfare state (i.e. National Health to accept a welfare state (i.e. National Health Service)Service)

Idea challenged by conservatism of ThatcherIdea challenged by conservatism of Thatcher

Multi-nationalismMulti-nationalism Relatively large amount of cultural homogeneityRelatively large amount of cultural homogeneity English common language, but spoken w/ different English common language, but spoken w/ different

dialectsdialects Religious differences between Catholics & ProtestantsReligious differences between Catholics & Protestants Includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland,

which in past have been different countrieswhich in past have been different countries By 18By 18thth century – England ruled entire island, becoming “Great century – England ruled entire island, becoming “Great

Britain”Britain” In early 20In early 20thth century – Northern Ireland added, creating “United century – Northern Ireland added, creating “United

Kingdom”Kingdom”

England: largest region; contains majority of England: largest region; contains majority of populationpopulation

English have dominated other nationalities English have dominated other nationalities Still have disproportionate share of political powerStill have disproportionate share of political power Challenge: integrate nationalities into country as a whole, Challenge: integrate nationalities into country as a whole,

but at same time allow them to keep old identitiesbut at same time allow them to keep old identities

Wales: subject to English king in 16Wales: subject to English king in 16 thth century century Modern Welsh pride is reflected in their flag – the Modern Welsh pride is reflected in their flag – the Plaid Plaid

CymruCymru political party – language is still alive political party – language is still alive Accepted English authority years ago, but some Accepted English authority years ago, but some

resentment remains & feelings of being exploited by resentment remains & feelings of being exploited by richer neighborsricher neighbors

Scotland: existed as separate country until early 1600sScotland: existed as separate country until early 1600s Joined w/ England not through conquest, but by marriage – Joined w/ England not through conquest, but by marriage –

Queen Elizabeth I died w/o an heir in 1603, throne went to Queen Elizabeth I died w/o an heir in 1603, throne went to nephew James I, who also happened to be king of Scotlandnephew James I, who also happened to be king of Scotland

100 years later, both agreed to single Parliament in London100 years later, both agreed to single Parliament in London Have strong national identity, think of themselves as different Have strong national identity, think of themselves as different

from English – national flag, Scottish Parliament has recently from English – national flag, Scottish Parliament has recently been revivedbeen revived

Northern Ireland: religious argumentsNorthern Ireland: religious arguments Oliver Cromwell tried to impose Protestantism w/o success Oliver Cromwell tried to impose Protestantism w/o success

in Catholic Irelandin Catholic Ireland English claims to Irish lands were settled shortly after WWI English claims to Irish lands were settled shortly after WWI

– granted – granted home rulehome rule (except NE corner where Protestants (except NE corner where Protestants outnumbered Catholics)outnumbered Catholics)

Home rule came b/c of Home rule came b/c of Irish Republican Army (IRA)Irish Republican Army (IRA) In 1949, bulk of Ireland became totally independent countryIn 1949, bulk of Ireland became totally independent country

Social Class DistinctionsSocial Class Distinctions Most important divide today: between working & Most important divide today: between working &

middle classesmiddle classes Not easily separated by income; psychologically & Not easily separated by income; psychologically &

subjectively gulf is still widesubjectively gulf is still wide Difference explained in terms of Difference explained in terms of solidaritysolidarity – keeping the old – keeping the old

job in the old neighborhood, sense of family – more job in the old neighborhood, sense of family – more important than individual successimportant than individual success

Divisions reinforced by education systemDivisions reinforced by education system ““public schools” public schools” originally intended to train boys for “public originally intended to train boys for “public

life” in the military, civil service, politicslife” in the military, civil service, politics Are expensive – educated young people to continue after parents as Are expensive – educated young people to continue after parents as

members of ruling elitemembers of ruling elite Large # of elite go to “public” boarding schoolsLarge # of elite go to “public” boarding schools

Middle classes commonly attend private grammar day schoolsMiddle classes commonly attend private grammar day schools Only 65% of British 17 year olds are still in school, the lowest Only 65% of British 17 year olds are still in school, the lowest

level of any industrialized democracylevel of any industrialized democracy Most important portal for elite classes is through Oxford & Most important portal for elite classes is through Oxford &

Cambridge Universities (Cambridge Universities (OxbridgeOxbridge)) Nearly ½ of all Conservative MPs went to OxbridgeNearly ½ of all Conservative MPs went to Oxbridge ¼ of all Labour MPs went to Oxbridge¼ of all Labour MPs went to Oxbridge %s in cabinet positions and PMs even higher%s in cabinet positions and PMs even higher

Since WWII, higher education more Since WWII, higher education more widespread than widespread than before thanks to scholarshipsbefore thanks to scholarships

Ethnic MinoritiesEthnic Minorities Only 7.1% of non-European originOnly 7.1% of non-European origin

Main minority groups: Indian, Pakistani, Afro-Main minority groups: Indian, Pakistani, Afro-Caribbean, Black AfricanCaribbean, Black African

Immigration restrictions from Thatcher Immigration restrictions from Thatcher administration; currently under debate but Labour administration; currently under debate but Labour has let restrictions remain in place has let restrictions remain in place

British often accused of adjusting poorly to new British often accused of adjusting poorly to new ethnic populationsethnic populations Some evidence that whites are leaving London to settle Some evidence that whites are leaving London to settle

in suburbs, meaning higher % minority in Londonin suburbs, meaning higher % minority in London

Britain’s risk for home-grown terrorism greater Britain’s risk for home-grown terrorism greater than many other countries b/c:than many other countries b/c: Distinct minority / majority cleavages: Muslims have Distinct minority / majority cleavages: Muslims have

identity as a minority distinct from well-established identity as a minority distinct from well-established majoritymajority

In contrast, many people in U.S. are immigrants, & majority In contrast, many people in U.S. are immigrants, & majority ethnicity of white Americans has already become a minority ethnicity of white Americans has already become a minority in many U.S. citiesin many U.S. cities

Social class difference of Muslims in U.S., many Social class difference of Muslims in U.S., many Muslims tend to be relatively well-off, while many Muslims tend to be relatively well-off, while many British Muslims are disaffected & unemployed British Muslims are disaffected & unemployed

Childhood experiences not endeared them to British cultureChildhood experiences not endeared them to British culture

Pakistani Muslims: b/c bin Laden & al Qaeda under Pakistani Muslims: b/c bin Laden & al Qaeda under protection of Pakistan, some thing the links of British protection of Pakistan, some thing the links of British Muslims to al Qaeda stronger than in other European Muslims to al Qaeda stronger than in other European countriescountries

Opposition to war in Iraq: many British citizens are Opposition to war in Iraq: many British citizens are hostile toward war may be helping radicalize young hostile toward war may be helping radicalize young Muslims who appear to believe British gov’t Muslims who appear to believe British gov’t supporting U.S. in war against Islamsupporting U.S. in war against Islam

Lack of integration of minorities: alienation of Lack of integration of minorities: alienation of minorities in Britain may be higher than in other minorities in Britain may be higher than in other countries b/c national culture has not absorbed the countries b/c national culture has not absorbed the groups into mainstream culturegroups into mainstream culture

Political Beliefs and ValuesPolitical Beliefs and Values 1960s – political scientists Gabriel Almond and 1960s – political scientists Gabriel Almond and

Sidney Verba – wrote that Sidney Verba – wrote that civic culturecivic culture (political (political culture) in Britain characterized byculture) in Britain characterized by TrustTrust Deference to authority and competenceDeference to authority and competence PragmatismPragmatism Harmony Harmony

Economic crisis in 1970s, continuing conflict in Economic crisis in 1970s, continuing conflict in Northern Ireland have challenged this view of Northern Ireland have challenged this view of citizenship in Britaincitizenship in Britain

Reflect what Almond & Verba saw as good Reflect what Almond & Verba saw as good qualities for democratic participation:qualities for democratic participation: High % of people vote in electionsHigh % of people vote in elections Acceptance of authorityAcceptance of authority Tolerance for different points of viewTolerance for different points of view Acceptance of the rules of the gameAcceptance of the rules of the game But during 1970s, social & economic changes altered But during 1970s, social & economic changes altered

these characteristics so that today British are less these characteristics so that today British are less supportive of collective consensus & more inclined to supportive of collective consensus & more inclined to values of a free market economyvalues of a free market economy

Observers believe Observers believe politics of protestpolitics of protest have become more have become more acceptable (tendency to disagree openly & sometimes acceptable (tendency to disagree openly & sometimes violently w/ gov’t) violently w/ gov’t)

Manifestations of changing political beliefs & Manifestations of changing political beliefs & values:values: Decreasing support for labor unions – strikes during Decreasing support for labor unions – strikes during

1970s led to public opinion turning against them, 1970s led to public opinion turning against them, viewing them as bulliesviewing them as bullies

Thatcher’s tough stance to unions intensified strife between Thatcher’s tough stance to unions intensified strife between unions & Conservative gov’tunions & Conservative gov’t

Labour has moved more to middle to diversity its appeal to Labour has moved more to middle to diversity its appeal to non-union votersnon-union voters

Increased violence regarding Northern Ireland – Jan Increased violence regarding Northern Ireland – Jan 1972: British military killed 13 Catholics1972: British military killed 13 Catholics

IRA & Protestant paramilitaries stepped up campaigns of IRA & Protestant paramilitaries stepped up campaigns of violenceviolence

In recent years groups have consented to negotiation w/ In recent years groups have consented to negotiation w/ gov’t, but threat of violence remainsgov’t, but threat of violence remains

Thatcherism – Conservative Party controlled gov’t from 1979 – Thatcherism – Conservative Party controlled gov’t from 1979 – 19971997

Her “revolution” to a free market economy affected political attitudesHer “revolution” to a free market economy affected political attitudes Rejected collectivism & emphasis on redistribution of resources from rich to Rejected collectivism & emphasis on redistribution of resources from rich to

poorpoor Fostered entrepreneurial values of individualism & competition over Fostered entrepreneurial values of individualism & competition over

solidarity of social classes & solidarity of social classes & noblesse obligenoblesse oblige

New Labour – Tony Blair & Labour party loosened ties to labor New Labour – Tony Blair & Labour party loosened ties to labor unions & “Good Friday” Agreement on Northern Ireland reached unions & “Good Friday” Agreement on Northern Ireland reached in 1998; parties more inclined to “third way”in 1998; parties more inclined to “third way”

Protests over Iraq War – citizens & political leaders vocally Protests over Iraq War – citizens & political leaders vocally opposed to waropposed to war

Many Labour MPs w/drew support for BlairMany Labour MPs w/drew support for Blair Resistance to party leadership extended to cabinet, several party leaders Resistance to party leadership extended to cabinet, several party leaders

resigning their posts, despite strong tradition of collective consensusresigning their posts, despite strong tradition of collective consensus

Voting BehaviorVoting Behavior Voters have less party loyalty than they used toVoters have less party loyalty than they used to

But voting still tied by social class & regionBut voting still tied by social class & region Social Class – Social Class – traditionally working class voted Labour, traditionally working class voted Labour,

middle class voted Conservativemiddle class voted Conservative Today – lines are blurred b/c parties have changed, coming Today – lines are blurred b/c parties have changed, coming

back to the center (“third way” after extremes in 1970s & 80s)back to the center (“third way” after extremes in 1970s & 80s) Statistics show that Labour in 1997, 2001, 2005, support Statistics show that Labour in 1997, 2001, 2005, support

strongest from people who feel disadvantaged: Scots, Welsh, strongest from people who feel disadvantaged: Scots, Welsh, poorpoor

Regional factors – Regional factors – Labour party does well in urban & Labour party does well in urban & industrial areas, Scotland, Wales; Conservatives usually industrial areas, Scotland, Wales; Conservatives usually win in England, esp. in rural & suburban areaswin in England, esp. in rural & suburban areas

Public Policy & Current IssuesPublic Policy & Current Issues For nowFor now, Labour has solid majority, w/ enough , Labour has solid majority, w/ enough

votes to continue course they have followed since votes to continue course they have followed since 19971997

Issues confronting British political system today:Issues confronting British political system today: Evolving relationship between gov’t & economyEvolving relationship between gov’t & economy British relationships w/ EUBritish relationships w/ EU Direction of post-Blair policyDirection of post-Blair policy TerrorismTerrorism Devolution and constitutional reformsDevolution and constitutional reforms

Evolving Relationship between government & the Evolving Relationship between government & the economyeconomy Historical basis for Britain’s political economy – Historical basis for Britain’s political economy –

liberalismliberalism – philosophy that emphasizes political & – philosophy that emphasizes political & economic freedoms for individuals & marketseconomic freedoms for individuals & markets

Until 1970s – Until 1970s – collective consensuscollective consensus – philosophy based – philosophy based on social democratic values that support gov’t control on social democratic values that support gov’t control of economy, including nationalization of major of economy, including nationalization of major industriesindustries

KeynesianismKeynesianism: gov’t took action to secure full employment, : gov’t took action to secure full employment, expand social services, maintain steady rate of growth, keep expand social services, maintain steady rate of growth, keep prices stableprices stable

Thatcher introduced Thatcher introduced neo-liberalismneo-liberalism – revival old – revival old political / economic philosophy of liberalism of earlier political / economic philosophy of liberalism of earlier yearsyears

Since Thatcher – “a middle way” a.k.a. “third way”Since Thatcher – “a middle way” a.k.a. “third way”

Blair teamed w/ Gordon Brown (then chancellor the Blair teamed w/ Gordon Brown (then chancellor the exchequer) to develop direction of political economyexchequer) to develop direction of political economy

By 2001 – had brought By 2001 – had brought misery indexmisery index (inflation + (inflation + unemployment) to new lows!unemployment) to new lows!

Income taxes remain steady, but provide welfare programsIncome taxes remain steady, but provide welfare programs Debate over these public services, i.e. National Health Service Debate over these public services, i.e. National Health Service

(NHS), as private medical care is becoming more common(NHS), as private medical care is becoming more common

British Relationships w/ EUBritish Relationships w/ EU Insularity means tends to keep allies at a distanceInsularity means tends to keep allies at a distance Reluctant to join Common Market (precursor of EU) – Reluctant to join Common Market (precursor of EU) –

didn’t join until 1978didn’t join until 1978 But Thatcher opposed to rapid integration of European But Thatcher opposed to rapid integration of European

markets (esp. using the euro)markets (esp. using the euro) PM John Major: signed Maastricht Treaty (created EU)PM John Major: signed Maastricht Treaty (created EU) PM Tony Blair: still more favorable to EU, but backed PM Tony Blair: still more favorable to EU, but backed

away from commitmentaway from commitment In 2005 Blair promised future In 2005 Blair promised future referendareferenda from new EU from new EU

constitution and euroconstitution and euro Referenda didn’t take place while Blair in office – still haven’tReferenda didn’t take place while Blair in office – still haven’t Conservatives split over involvement in EUConservatives split over involvement in EU Polls show majority of public still wants to hold onto poundPolls show majority of public still wants to hold onto pound

Direction of Post-Blair PolicyDirection of Post-Blair Policy Most citizens were relieved to end controversy over his Most citizens were relieved to end controversy over his

policies, esp. war in Iraqpolicies, esp. war in Iraq Admirers point outAdmirers point out

Stabilized British economyStabilized British economy Globalization made London one of most dynamic cities in Globalization made London one of most dynamic cities in

worldworld Schools & hospitals improvedSchools & hospitals improved Devolution is underwayDevolution is underway Citizens paying more attention to environment & povertyCitizens paying more attention to environment & poverty Future will reveal how much is actually trueFuture will reveal how much is actually true

Gordon Brown: first elected to Parliament 1983, Gordon Brown: first elected to Parliament 1983, shadow chancellor of exchequer in years before 1997shadow chancellor of exchequer in years before 1997

Served as chancellor during Blair’s gov’tServed as chancellor during Blair’s gov’t Was heir-apparent when Blair had to step downWas heir-apparent when Blair had to step down Personality more “low-key” than BlairPersonality more “low-key” than Blair

TerrorismTerrorism ““Over ten years I have watched this [terrorism] grow. (if Over ten years I have watched this [terrorism] grow. (if

you had told me a decade ago that I would be tackling you had told me a decade ago that I would be tackling terrorism, I would have readily understood, but thought terrorism, I would have readily understood, but thought you meant Irish Republican terrorism.)” – Tony Blairyou meant Irish Republican terrorism.)” – Tony Blair

Meaning of terrorism has changed since 4 British Muslim Meaning of terrorism has changed since 4 British Muslim suicide bombers attacked London transit system in July suicide bombers attacked London transit system in July 20052005

Other major plots in years sinceOther major plots in years since

Gov’t now earmarking $$ for security, a mosque Gov’t now earmarking $$ for security, a mosque watchdog is in operation, M15 (British security watchdog is in operation, M15 (British security service) keeping track of suspected terroristsservice) keeping track of suspected terrorists

Gordon Brown – affirmed gov’t commitment to Gordon Brown – affirmed gov’t commitment to nonviolencenonviolence

Began pilot curriculum to be taught in some Muslim Began pilot curriculum to be taught in some Muslim religious classes emphasizing nonviolence among religious classes emphasizing nonviolence among British MuslimsBritish Muslims

Program has been criticized for singling out young Program has been criticized for singling out young Muslims for civics lessonsMuslims for civics lessons

Trying to isolate extremist minority from moderate Trying to isolate extremist minority from moderate majoritymajority

Balancing Act Between the US & EUBalancing Act Between the US & EU Blair: develop new relationship w/ Europe where UK Blair: develop new relationship w/ Europe where UK

would play central rolewould play central role Also to keep the special relationship w/ US developed in Also to keep the special relationship w/ US developed in

WWIIWWII Seemed successful until Iraq crisis took US in different Seemed successful until Iraq crisis took US in different

direction from Paris & Berlin, who were outspoken against direction from Paris & Berlin, who were outspoken against invasioninvasion

Controversy damaged Blair’s vision of UK as “bridge” over AtlanticControversy damaged Blair’s vision of UK as “bridge” over Atlantic Damaged relationship w/ FranceDamaged relationship w/ France Questioned wisdom of the “special relationship” w/ USQuestioned wisdom of the “special relationship” w/ US Dissent w/in Labour party, & undermined Blair’s popular supportDissent w/in Labour party, & undermined Blair’s popular support Led to Labour losing seats in 2005 electionsLed to Labour losing seats in 2005 elections Led to Blair’s resignation in 2007Led to Blair’s resignation in 2007

Devolution & Constitutional ReformsDevolution & Constitutional Reforms Still a unitary gov’t, w/ authority from LondonStill a unitary gov’t, w/ authority from London

Continuing desire by Scottish & Welsh for independence & Continuing desire by Scottish & Welsh for independence & problems w/ Northern Ireland led to development & use of problems w/ Northern Ireland led to development & use of devolution (turning over of some political powers to regional devolution (turning over of some political powers to regional gov’ts)gov’ts)

Devolution delayed by Thatcher, supported by LabourDevolution delayed by Thatcher, supported by Labour

1999 – referenda in Scotland & Wales passed, each has 1999 – referenda in Scotland & Wales passed, each has it’s own regional assemblyit’s own regional assembly

1998 Good Friday Agreement: set up a parliament for 1998 Good Friday Agreement: set up a parliament for Northern Ireland but was shut down after violence in Northern Ireland but was shut down after violence in 2002; reopened 20072002; reopened 2007

Affect of new parliaments yet to be seenAffect of new parliaments yet to be seen Devolution has also included creation of mayor and Devolution has also included creation of mayor and

general assembly for London, giving city more general assembly for London, giving city more independenceindependence

Critics: Critics: Devolution should be only one step toward modernizing Devolution should be only one step toward modernizing

political systempolitical system Other reforms under consideration:Other reforms under consideration:

Written Bill of Rights for citizensWritten Bill of Rights for citizens Written constitutionWritten constitution Freedom of informationFreedom of information New electoral systemNew electoral system