Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

This dissertation explores the effects of populism and its apparent growth throughout mainstream British politics and the world. Populism has been widely studied throughout literature in terms of predictions for the future of politics, however it fails to draw on the experiences of the public and those who participate in politics. Thus, this dissertation will aim to fill the gaps in previous literature by exploring the views of those central in politics and their own personal fears and discussions on the growth in populism. I will draw on the opinions of eight participants from local constituencies who support the Conservative or Labour parties. The participants are from two constituents, which I have identified as Bainbridge and Saddle-rock, these areas differ in diversity and political support, and have a diverse range of opinions towards populism, which has enabled me to compare and contrast. My findings suggest that individuals fear the rise in populism and the hostile relationship that is intertwined with nationalism. Populism was identified as having a detrimental impact on British society and the world, ultimately being fuelled by racism and extreme nationalism, despite this there was a trend amongst those who felt populism was essential. I have compared these two areas finding that Conservatives in less diverse areas are likely to support populism whilst those in diverse areas are aware of the consequences that populist policies can have on a society that continues to grow in diversity.

Course: Sociology - BSc (Hons) - C0315

Date Deposited: 2022-06-06

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13919.html