UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

What does "class dealignment" mean?

1. A shift towards more class-based voting

2. A situation where individuals start identifying with a new class

3. When people no longer identify with a specific social class

4. A movement towards stronger class identity in politics

The correct answer is: When people no longer identify with a specific social class

"Class dealignment" refers to the phenomenon where individuals no longer identify with a specific social class in the context of their voting behavior and political affiliations. It indicates a decline in the traditional link between social class and political party support. This shift implies that voters are less likely to vote according to their socioeconomic status, thus reflecting a more fluid and varied political landscape where individuals make electoral choices based on diverse factors such as personal beliefs, party policies, or individual candidates rather than their social class background. The concept emerged as a response to changes in society where the rigid class structures of the past became less significant in determining political behavior. Voters might feel disconnected from the traditional party alignments that were once strongly tied to class distinctions, leading to more independent or issue-based voting patterns. This can result in political parties needing to appeal to a broader range of voters across different social classes rather than relying on a stable base within a specific class.