Richer individuals tend to lean more towards right-wing political ideologies. When you are the one being subjected to wealth redistribution rather than benefiting from it, your inclination towards redistribution diminishes. This revelation may not come as a surprise. However, the impact of social mobility on one’s political views is less clear since individuals who have experienced upward mobility also tend to have higher incomes. Therefore, distinguishing the direct influence of mobility from that of wealth becomes a challenge.
A new study addresses this issue by examining data from a British survey that includes information about the occupational status of individuals’ parents when they were 14 years old. The study confirms that individuals in higher-status jobs are more likely to adopt right-wing views, especially regarding redistribution (although the effect is less pronounced concerning other economic matters, such as public ownership).
Interestingly, if we analyze individuals who have experienced social mobility, meaning they have achieved a higher-status job than their parents, on average, they also tend to be more right-wing. However, when we control for their own higher social status, social mobility is actually associated with more left-wing preferences and voting habits.
What contributes to this phenomenon? Fairness plays a significant role. Growing up in a less affluent household leads to a reduced belief in the fairness of society, and achieving success further reinforces this perception (which is surprising given the prevailing “I made it, so anyone can” attitudes). This suggests a potential vicious cycle: a society with limited social mobility opposes measures to decrease inequality, which in turn negatively impacts social mobility.
In conclusion, wealthier individuals who come from modest backgrounds still exhibit right-wing tendencies, although to a lesser degree. While it is not entirely accurate to discount their humble origins, they do partially disconnect from them.
Torsten Bell, the chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, offers further insights on this subject. For more information, please visit resolutionfoundation.org.
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