Electoral Change Since 1945

Understanding the Shift in Britain's Political Landscape

Pippa Norris author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:30th Nov '96

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Electoral Change Since 1945 cover

This insightful exploration of electoral change highlights the shift from a two-party system in Britain, as discussed in Electoral Change Since 1945.

The book Electoral Change Since 1945 delves into the evolution of electoral dynamics in Britain over the past fifty years. It begins by examining the period from 1945 to 1970, which marked a significant era of two-party dominance across various levels of British politics, including Westminster and local government. During this time, both the Conservative and Labour parties held substantial sway over the electorate, shaping policies and governance in a manner that seemed unshakeable. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that this stronghold has weakened, particularly in local governance, where alternative political movements have begun to gain traction.

A central question posed in Electoral Change Since 1945 is why Britain has transitioned from a robust two-party system to one that is increasingly fragmented. The author explores various factors contributing to this shift, including changes in voter demographics, party strategies, and the impact of evolving political communications. By analyzing these elements, the book seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the forces driving electoral change in the UK.

Furthermore, the text serves as an accessible resource for students and scholars alike, offering a fresh perspective on electoral theories. It situates Britain's developments within a broader comparative framework, challenging conventional wisdom about voting behavior trends and encouraging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the political landscape.

"It is certain to be a serious rival to established texts in the field." EPOP Newsletter, January 1997


"Norris's book is an admirable survey of the scholarly literature on elections since 1945. It is crammed with valuable statistics and global comparisons, but it is not disfigured by the jargon which apparently lends most psephologists their sense of professional dignity. As such, like most of the volumes in this series, its style and content are ideal for undergraduate students and for the general reader." Mark Garnett

"The book is based on massive research ... which enabels her to compare changes in Britain's electoral culture with a variety of countries." Talking Politics

ISBN: 9780631167167

Dimensions: 218mm x 141mm x 21mm

Weight: 397g

288 pages