Politics: The Rise of Anti-Politics – Why Are We Fed Up With Politicians? with Dr Simon Griffiths from Goldsmiths, University of London

The aim of the session will be to explore the rise of ‘anti-politics’. Are we really fed up with traditional politics and with politicians? If so, why do we hold politicians in such low esteem?

The session will look at the rise of anti-politics, particularly in the UK, focusing on the decline in electoral turnout, the collapse in support for traditional political parties, and attitudinal shifts against traditional forms of politics. It will examine students’ views on politics, ask them to reflect on what politics is, and how they feel about ‘politicians’.

We will then explore some of the main explanations for the rise of anti-politics, including the powerlessness of traditional politics to solve our problems and the decline in ‘social capital’ linking voters to political elites. Students will be expected to reflect on these answers.

The session will conclude with a critical view of anti-politics, reflecting on the way in which ‘politics’ is carried out via different means, from online debate to membership of NGOs. This raises important question about what politics is, and questions the claim that politics is in decline.

Suitable for: Year 12 and Year 13 students. The session will be of particular relevance to A-level Politics students, touching on issues raised in:

AQA Politics

• People, Politics and Participation
• Governing Modern Britain
• Ideologies
• Political Issues: Ideologies in Action

OCR Politics

• Contemporary Politics of the UK
• Political Ideas and Concepts
• Political Ideas and Concepts in Practice

Lecturer Biography: Dr Simon Griffiths

Preparation/Pre-Reading: None is required although students may wish to consider and discuss some of the issues prior to the event.