RightsNational 2h 58m left
Does lowering inequality improve democracy in the UK?
UK income inequality has remained relatively stable over recent decades according to the Gini coefficient, while wealth inequality is lower than in some Scandinavian countries. Academic analysis, including Lane Kenworthy's work, finds that links between higher inequality and weakened democratic institutions rest on weak empirical foundations, with debates over whether recent changes in inequality have significantly affected political voice or representation. Discussions often centre on redistribution's potential to expand opportunities for lower-income groups versus risks of dependency or economic distortion in a system where over half of households are net state recipients.
2 Opinions
Poverty and lack of opportunity can make people feel there is no point engaging with democracy. It reduces respect for the law if it is seen to not apply equally. People with an economic stake and opportunities to advance are surely more likely to feel its worth having a say.
Absolutely. If people feel let down, ignored or betrayed by a system, why would they bother to participate? In order to have their voice heard and take part on the democratic process, people need to feel like they are actually included. The current cynical state of politics can be at least partially attributed to the feeling that voices have no power.