The Affluent Worker

This insightful exploration of political attitudes reveals that many affluent workers still support the Labour Party, challenging common perceptions of class assimilation.

In The Affluent Worker, the authors delve into the political attitudes and voting behaviors of highly paid manual workers in Luton during the late 1960s. This volume, the second in a series of monographs, presents a detailed analysis based on interviews conducted with these workers, offering insights into their political orientations. The study aims to challenge prevailing assumptions regarding the working class's assimilation into middle-class social patterns, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The research focuses on a unique sample of affluent workers from Luton, a town that experienced significant economic growth in the 1950s and 1960s. By exploring the relationship between voting behavior and factors such as income, home ownership, social origin, and trade union membership, the authors provide a comprehensive understanding of how these elements influence political preferences. The findings reveal that, contrary to popular belief, many of these workers continue to support the Labour Party, highlighting a complex dynamic between affluence and political allegiance.

Ultimately, The Affluent Worker serves as a critical examination of the political landscape of the time, offering valuable insights into the intersection of class, income, and political identity. The authors' analysis contributes to a broader understanding of how economic conditions shape political choices, making this volume a significant addition to the discourse on class and politics in Britain.