Today I attended a tea-party for a friend's 65th birthday and, as we were all retired or semi-retired women, it was a good place for me to continue the quest for some answers.
Living in a rural area of Scotland, most of these ladies were 'incomers' for one reason or another, the main one being suburbia had become too large and lost its sense of community. We agreed that a small rural town gave us the balance of friendship and personal space but also provided for many of our interests.
One interest is certainly not politics. "I don't have time for politics", "Politics doesn't interest me, never has", "Why would I want to be interested in politics. Politicians don't do anything for me", "I vote, does that count?" plus other comments, all negative.
When asked about their voting preferences there was silence. Knowing this area was for many years conservative, I wasn't surprised to realise that most had voted for the same party all their lives (so I assumed the tories). Two bravely admitted to voting SNP at the last election - I could sense the thoughts of some others, "How could they?".
Women of 50+ make important decisions which affect their lives and indirectly the lives of many others. To emphasis my meaning I posed the question, "If we decided to never use organic foods again, do you think that would affect us?" Obviously all had a strong social conscience because the majority mention the damage that would cause to the Scottish farming industry with fewer mentioning health reasons. Trying to explain the question was political (with a small p) and so were their answers was difficult, insofar as I was told the question was hypothetical anyway.
This generation of Scotswomen have worked throughout their lives and some have, with great success, broken into male dominated career areas. The three retired NHS workers were the most open about their thoughts and seemed to be quite well clued up on Scottish politics. (Guess who voted SNP).
About 50% of the party I would have classed as very comfortable financially but the other 50% voiced concerns about the reduction in interest rates on their savings and all were concerned about the state of the UK in general, both financially and socially. Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's ears must have been on fire.
It's sad, but I don't think the 55+ generation of Scotswomen will ever be open to even considering the merits of independence for Scotland. Why do they have this resistance to change? Perhaps too many have been brainwashed all their lives by the our dependency on Westminster and the emotive words used by unionists such as divorce and separation, or perhaps they think their opinions don't matter is today's modern world.
No politician will convince them to consider independence for Scotland, that is going to have to be the responsibility of the younger generations. So you young ones, start discussing politics with your mothers, grannies and aunties!
I never bothered to asking why so few of them used the top of the range laptops or desktops they have in their homes. The answer was too obvious, "I don't have time."
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14 comments:
My wife - over fifty - has been interested in politics most of our married life - I blame myself.
I've only become interested in politics by accident from reading all types of blog. One of the problems with politics is there is nothing you can do to effect anything as even voting once every five years or so often changes nothing due to so many safe seats. Its also a very emotional and argument inducing subject where one is likely to be bitten hard by others and risk losing your friends. You also have to be some sort of expert as in knowing what you are talking about or you are quickly made a fool of. So for a quiet happy life avoiding politics is often recommended. Its only when people are feeling the pain and backed into a corner will they fight back and take some interest.
Interesting analysis, but doesn't this apathy aflict all sexes and generations, to a greater or lesser extent?
Indeed, isn't it the conventional wisdom that it's the youger people that are most disinterested, and that the type of group you describe are in fact unapathetic, at least relatively speaking?
TS, I understand your point about accepting many people refuse to discuss politics. Fortunately today I knew everyone quite well and therefore was able to explain I wanted to do this wee article on this blog.
Very true that people only take an interest when they're personally affected by some political circumstance.
Scunnert you're lucky to have a wife who takes an interest. My small 'poll' was with 14 'middle' class women, all who vote. Not exactly a snapshot of Scottish female society is it but it's a local snapshot.
I feel rather alone in the blogosphere as a older woman with an interest in Scottish politics. Someone's got to break the mould I suppose!
Hi Subrosa,
Very depressing post, and yet I found in my days as an SNP activist that many of the most active and committed members were women of a "certain" age.
I agree though that in my general experience of the wider population, older women are more likely to vote Tory, irrespective of "class".
This is apparently well documented in opinion poll surveys.
Regards,
Hello Stuart, thanks for your comment. Looking at statistics it's the over 55s who vote more than any other age group so yes, I would agree, where voting is concerned, they're certainly unapathetic. But, if the SNP wish to gain a good level of support for independence, then it's this group who they must target.
The younger generations do have an interest in politics but their interest appears to be focused on one issue politics and not the general governance of their country.
Of course, there is apathy all over the UK with regard to politics, but interest is steadily improving as our schools now involve pupils in the machinations of the political system. Much as the main political parties have tried to introduce American campaigning systems, they have failed. Our cultures are different perhaps - I don't know the answer.
Good post subrosa.
My wife (fifty plus, I was a child groom), is totally apolitical.
She votes LibDem.
Subrosa,
Thought-provoking article about the most interesting of lady's age-groups. What do you do at tea-parties? Do you exchange (PG) tips? Is it proper etiquette to drink your tea with the pinky pointing skywards.
Curious that whilst they appear, along with many other age-groups, to be critical of Brown and Darling that they would not contemplate independence.
I should imagine that they have reached a stage in life where they are comfortable with, or are resigned to, acceptance of their lives.
They, therefore, accept the status quo and consider any alternative or change to be too adventurous or that it would put their present life-style at risk. This would inevitably lead them to vote for the main political parties.
I assume that they are reasonably financially secure which again has a bearing on your politics.
I find that the poorest in society are more inclined to vote for parties with socialist inclinations and, sadly, many still feel that Labour are the party to deliver their expectations.
I should also imagine that, with little interest in politics, the little they do know is garnered from newspapers and television where a balanced point of view on politics is rarely displayed.
Take, for example, the Scotsman and look at the insidious preponderance of anti-SNP head-lines in this paper alone.
I'm not just saying that because I believe in independence nor am I being paranoid - I'm merely stating the obvious.
Thus, anyone just glancing at those head-lines would, consciously or not, be less inclined to vote for that party.
Anyway, my friend, keep up the good work and, in time, your efforts will be rewarded.
Brownlie, thank you for that most thoughtful post. You've brought some of my thoughts to light.
It's very true this age group feel quite comfortable with the status quo, especially when they're financially secure.
It's also very true, but very sad, that they feel no need to involve themselves in the running of our country. The men and women of this age group have so much common sense and experience to offer, but the days are long gone when any gave thought to contributing to public service. The attitude seems to be 'It's a young person's world nowadays so let them get on with it'.
With attitudes such as those I wonder how valued the older generation feel these days. Is that why they stick their heads in the sand?
The Scottish media is a disgrace to all Scots. As you say the reporting is so biased towards a unionist viewpoint which many accept as gospel.
Brownlie, I don't reside in Morningside or Bearsden so the direction of pinkies is of no concern. China cups are a must though!
Auch Conan how delightful for you to have such an apolitical wife.
My mother was of the same ilk although more so perhaps. She always voted the same as her 'pal of the month'. Her attitude was she paid her taxes, her taxes paid her politicians and she took no responsibility or interest in anything they did.
At least she voted. So many say, 'what's the point?' - all I can do is play the 'women lost their lives for us to get the opportunity' card.
Subrosa
Yes, in some ways young people are enthused about political issues, but not in a party political way, as you say, which should obviously concern all the parties.
On the other hand, there's surely a complete disengagement from politics with a significant section of younger people that wouldn't have happened a couple of generations ago.
As for the older people, as the comments outline they tend to be conservative with a small 'c', and clearly that militates against the independence argument, irrespective of whether their conservatism translates into support for the Tories or the other major parties.
As for the media bias, I too am concerned about an insidious trend, and that's the pro-SNP bias dominating blogospher ;0)
In all things a balance Stuart.
The BBC, Herald and Hootsmon(that's just the Scottish media)versus a few blogging cybernats.
Who do you think will win in the end?
I agree about the need for balance, so could you arrange for Brian Souter to give me a cool half million so I cant stand for Holyrood next time round?
As for who will win in the end, may the best man do so ;0)
Or, indeed, woman, just to keep Subrosa happy!
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