Central to Australia’s cultural and political identity is the notion of a “fair go”. But recent elections, including in the United States, have highlighted the challenge of maintaining shared norms and support for institutions when many voters don’t believe they’re getting a “fair go”.
Australia has maintained a reasonably high satisfaction with democracy. However, this satisfaction is slipping.
A recent study, published by the Australian National University in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Strengthening Democracy Taskforce, explored this issue further. It analysed how perceptions of income inequality relate to satisfaction with democracy.
It found concerns about income inequality in Australia are strongly related to dissatisfaction with democracy. This suggests Australia’s satisfaction with democracy is at risk. It may erode further if voters think the major parties aren’t sufficiently responsive to the economic pressures they are under.
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Those at the top of the inequality are probably very happy, but I was being a bit sarcastic. The vast majority in the middle and lower end are losing out badly.
The inequality continues to widen.
And now they are saying - shock horror! - that the satisfaction with democracy (or rather democratic institutions) is slipping.
Vote in party A. Things get worse. Vote in party B. Things get worse. Let’s vote in party A again. Oops, things got worse. Well, let’s give party B a go. Nope - worse again.
People: iT mUsT bE DeMoCrAcY tHaT’S tHe PrObLEm!!
Conclusion: Inequality is eroding satisfaction of democracy!
Did they allow for other factors that erode faith in politics/government? Like, idk, corrupt politicians? Kickbacks after leaving office? Blatant lying? Causing death, pain and destruction to thousands, a la Robodebt?
I haven’t bothered to look at this ‘study’ but I can smell the ‘correlation does not mean causation’ from here.
I think I’m a bit pissed off, because we’re spending money and time on ‘strengthening democracy’, when even their ‘conclusion’ says they should be spending it on closing the gap and reducing inequality.