Unemployment and the Political System

In: Parliamentary affairs: a journal of representative politics, Band 35, Heft 4, S. 408-420

Abstract

Unemployment has been rising in GB since 1966 & is currently the most important electorate issue. Present politics & economic positions, however, have been & are unable to deal effectively with the problem. GB's economic role in the capitalist world economy is reviewed & seen to be a trap preventing any rapid progress or recovery. In addition, the rising Social Democratic Party-Liberal Alliance has fostered false economic expectations, fundamentalism, & commitment to consensus politics, paving the way for tension between the political system & social problems. It is suggested that significant leftist & rightist sections of the electorate will be forced to seek solutions inconsistent with the present system by the mid-1980s, leading to intense political conflict. Possible ramifications of such a conflict are noted. J. Cannon.