Participation Crisis

• Political Parties (Participation Crisis)

  • Membership of SNP grew by 100K during IndyRef.
  • When there are important political events, membership tends to rise.
  • Same when Ed Miliband reduced Labour Membership fees.
  • UKIP membership also rose drastically.
  • In 1980; there were 1.65 million party members across the 3 major parties versus in 2016 where there were only 490K.
• Voting (Participation Crisis)

  • Statistics show declining voter turnout, but this also matches similar EU countries.
  • Referendum turnout is also varied based on the popularity of the issue; EU referendum saw 72% turnout versus AV referendum with just 42% turnout.
  • Therefore, voter turnout depends on the issue at hand.
  • In 1979; voter turnout was 76%.
  • In 2019; voter turnout was 67%.
• E-Democracy

  • Includes E-Petitions; requires 100K signatures for the Backbench Business Committee to consider debate on it; government must release a statement.
  • Fast-growing.
  • Part of digital democracy.
  • Requires little effort; however consider real impact of 'slacktivism'.
  • Builds interest in a situation.
  • In 2016, 3.8 million signed a petition to hold a 2nd referendum.
  • 1.6 million signed a petition to stop President Trump's state visit; this was successfully downgraded to a 'working visit'.
• Pressure Groups

  • Rely on active support rather than formal membership.
  • Activism in political parties has declined.
  • Increased engagement with, and membership of, pressure groups.
  • Examples include RSPCA, Amnesty, Greenpeace.
• Social Media and the Internet

  • Voting turnout has decreased however this could evidence growing popularity in alternative forms of participation.
  • Good way for younger people to have a say who cannot yet vote.
  • Examples include 38 Degrees, and Change.org.
  • However, arguably creates echo chambers and reinforces views rather than providing a plurality of views to users.