The Age Divide in Contemporary Politics

Age appears to structure voting patterns in democracies around the world more today than ever before. One poll conducted before the UK’s recent general election found that just 4% of 18-24 year olds intend to vote Conservative, compared to 33% of those aged 65 or older. Big age divides are evident on the European continent as well, though not always exhibiting such a clear left–right pattern, with the far-right Alternative for Germany and the National Rally in France gaining noteworthy support from the young. 

So what explains such divisions between the old and the young when it comes to voting? To what extent are these divisions underpinned by differences in voters’ ideological preferences? And how have these differences changed over time? 

A new article by Tom O’Grady, Associate Professor in Political Science here at the UCL Political Science, explores exactly these questions.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Tom O'Grady. 'Is ideological polarisation by age group growing in Europe?' European Journal of Political Research.