Consumerism and Politics

In many western countries, voters are becoming dissatisfied with traditional political parties on both the left and the right. The Economist explains that long-run forces are at play.

As the British class system has given way to a mish-mash of socio-economic groupings, tribal loyalties to Labour and the Conservatives have evaporated. Voters no longer belong to the left or the right. They have become political consumers who shop around. More recently, proud Scottish, nostalgic English or anxious green identities have counted for more than whether someone works on the factory floor or oversees those who do (The Economist 26/2/2015).

Consumerism now extends into politics.