Unit 1: Non-Participation

Non-participation is the absence of citizens from the political process. The central measure of non-participation is concerned with those registered to vote who choose not to, which is measured by ‘turnout’. However, other forms of non-participation reflect the alternative opportunities to participate in the politics, which can include membership of political parties and membership of pressure groups.

Non-participation in elections can be explained in three ways. First is that a voter is absent from the country during an election, or ill. Given voting in the UK has to be in person at a polling station, this is entirely possible. The second explanation is ‘apathy’, which is where a voter is able to vote, but essentially ‘can’tbe bothered to’ as they are just not interested or have other priorities. The third explanation is ‘abstention’ which is a conscious decision not to vote.

Abstentions occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, people are simply content with the status quo (called ‘hapathy’), but they may also feel their vote would be wasted under our FPTP election system, the result of the election is a foregone conclusion, the parties have too similar policies, or they are generally disillusioned with the political process.

Non-participation, if cause by the people being happy with the status quo, might be seen as a positive sign. It is also true that sometimes high participation means that there is a high amount of discontent, with many feeling they need to protest.

But non-participation worries political scientists as it usually suggests alienation from the system, makes it more likely that people use non-peaceful and undemocratic methods of making themselves heard. It undermines the legitimacy of the political system, perhaps forcing the state to rely more on coercion. Finally, it can allow unrepresentative minorities to control decision-making, and encourages social exclusion.

Essentially, if people are not motivated toparticipate in a democracy then they are likely to lose the rights and freedoms that have been established. Freedom is like a fortress - of little use without any defenders (Isaiah Berlin).