Public and parliamentary attitudes to welfare

Bochel, Hugh and Defty, Andrew (2007) Public and parliamentary attitudes to welfare. The journal of legislative studies, 13 (2). pp. 301-319. ISSN 1357-2334

Full content URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13572330701334536

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Item Type:Article
Item Status:Live Archive

Abstract

One of the core functions of parliament in the United Kingdom is arguably to represent the views of the people. While opinions differ as to the precise nature of this representation, one would expect to find a broad measure of comparability between public opinion and the opinions of those representing the public in parliament. This article examines the extent to which shifts in political attitudes towards the welfare state have been reflected in public opinion, particularly since the election of New Labour in 1997. Using data derived from a series of interviews with MPs from all sides of the House of Commons, and information on public attitudes to welfare collated from the British Social Attitudes survey, it seeks to identify and explain areas of disagreement and consensus in public and parliamentary attitudes to welfare. It focuses in particular on questions regarding commitment to state welfare provision, priorities in welfare spending and attitudes towards funding for welfare services.

Keywords:Parliament, Government, Welfare state, Public attitudes, British Social Attitudes survey
Subjects:L Social studies > L400 Social Policy
Divisions:College of Social Science > School of Social & Political Sciences
ID Code:977
Deposited On:16 Jul 2007

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