Economic prosperity ‘reduces scandal outrage’
The British public may be more tolerant of political misbehaviour in good times rather than bad, a study has claimed.
Research published in the January issue of the Parliamentary Affairs journal suggested that the state of the economy appears to influence perceptions of wrongdoing.
The way the public views the misusing of allowances, not giving straight answers and making empty promises were all “significantly affected” by the country’s economic wellbeing, Nicholas Allen of Royal Holloway and Sarah Birch of the University of Essex found.
Their study suggested that most people took some notice of scandals – and that a majority backed honesty over competence when forced to choose between the two.
Analysis also highlighted an “interesting relationship” between those who are more politically attentive and the extent to which misconduct becomes a problem.
“If anything, attentiveness seems to condition citizens into being more relaxed about reported misconduct,” the pair added.
Perhaps because of the expenses scandal, the British public remains deeply suspicious of politicians’ intentions.
Over three-quarters backed the statement that scandals reported in the media are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the misconduct that actually goes on.
“Only three per cent disagreed,” the study added. “Rightly or wrongly, the British public are a cynical lot.”
It remains to be seen whether the expenses scandal will have an impact on what academics call ‘diffuse’ support – the public’s backing for the institutions and rules which control Britian’s political systems.
“Only time will reveal the long-term impact of the 2009 expenses scandal on diffuse support,” the study concluded.
“MPs at Westminster only had to wait until the general election to ascertain the impact of the scandal on voters’ specific support for them.”
