This essay examines the question why Brexit is such a divisive and emotive issue for the British society nowadays. Since the outcome of the referendum in 2016, the British society is divided into three parts. One of them is the generation, the social class and the last one is geography. These three parts illustrate through numbers and statistics how the decision to leave the European Union was made. The discussion in this essay is divided into four main parts. The first part explains the historical background of Great Britain and the European Union, the second part represents the supporters of Brexit and reasons for leaving the European Union. The third part is about the effects of the outcome which concern the whole British society and fourth illustrate some problems which can appear after Great Britain leaving the EU.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The 1975 Referendum and Membership context
3. Demographic and social determinants of the Brexit vote
4. Economic implications and political tensions
5. Demonstrations and the demand for a second referendum
6. Northern Ireland and the border question
7. Immigration, identity, and citizenship concerns
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the underlying reasons why the decision to leave the European Union has become such a deeply divisive and emotive issue within British society. The primary research goal is to analyze how generation, social class, and geography influenced the referendum outcome, while examining the subsequent impact on national identity, economic stability, and social cohesion.
- Historical context of the UK's relationship with the European Union
- Socio-demographic factors influencing the 2016 referendum results
- Economic consequences including currency fluctuations and labor market anxieties
- The role of immigration and its perception regarding national identity
- Political challenges surrounding the Northern Ireland border and the "backstop"
Excerpt from the book
The impact of the 2016 referendum on social division
This essay examines the question why Brexit is such a divisive and emotive issue for the British society nowadays. Since the outcome of the referendum in 2016, the British society is divided into three parts. One of them is the generation, the social class and the last one is geography. These three parts illustrate through numbers and statistics how the decision to leave the European Union was made. The discussion in this essay is divided into four main parts. The first part explains the historical background of Great Britain and the European Union, the second part represents the supporters of Brexit and reasons for leaving the European Union. The third part is about the effects of the outcome which concern the whole British society and fourth illustrate some problems which can appear after Great Britain leaving the EU.
The first referendum Britain’s on the membership of the European Union was on June 1975. In this time, it was obvious why the British society wanted to be a member of the European community. Three main reasons convinced the society to vote for a membership in the EU. One of these tree main reasons was the Common Market. The numbers and statistics of the voting shows that 67 per cent of the British society decided to be a part of the European Union. The aim of the single market is to have a ‘free movement of goods, persons, services and capital’ (Sapir and Wolff). Therefore, the single market offers an easily export and import system within the European Union members.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the essay, identifying generation, class, and geography as the three pillars of societal division regarding Brexit.
2. The 1975 Referendum and Membership context: Reviews the historical motivations for joining the European Community, focusing on the Common Market and economic cooperation.
3. Demographic and social determinants of the Brexit vote: Analyzes statistical data regarding age, education, and income levels to explain the demographic split in voting behavior.
4. Economic implications and political tensions: Discusses the impact of falling currency on inflation, employment fears, and the government's role in protecting domestic markets.
5. Demonstrations and the demand for a second referendum: Examines the public outcry in London and the growing desire among parts of the population for a second vote.
6. Northern Ireland and the border question: Addresses the specific challenges of maintaining an open border and the political sensitivities surrounding the status of Northern Ireland.
7. Immigration, identity, and citizenship concerns: Explores how immigration is perceived as a threat to national identity and the anxiety felt by foreign workers and those holding British passports.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes the pervasive sense of uncertainty and the ongoing tension within British society as the country prepares for the consequences of its exit.
Keywords
Brexit, European Union, British Society, Referendum, Immigration, National Identity, Economy, Currency, Northern Ireland, Border, Citizenship, Social Class, Generation, Employment, Political Tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this essay?
The essay investigates the reasons why the Brexit referendum result has created significant division and emotional stress within contemporary British society.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
Key themes include the impact of socio-demographic factors, economic instability, the role of immigration, challenges to national identity, and the specific political complexities of the Northern Ireland border.
What is the main research question of the study?
The study asks why Brexit has emerged as such a deeply emotive and divisive issue, specifically looking at how different segments of the British population have reacted to the 2016 referendum outcome.
Which methodology is employed in the analysis?
The author utilizes a qualitative review of academic articles, statistical data from the 2016 referendum, and contemporary political news reports to map the societal effects of Brexit.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers historical context, demographic voting trends, economic repercussions like inflation and job security, public protests, and specific case studies such as the Irish border and the status of EU citizens in the UK.
How can the work be characterized by its keywords?
The work is characterized by terms focusing on the socio-economic and political transformation of Britain, including Brexit, national identity, immigration, and economic security.
How does the author define the "left-behind" voters?
The author links "left-behind" voters to specific demographics such as the elderly, individuals with lower educational attainment, and those with lower incomes who feel ignored by globalization and prioritize national identity.
What is the significance of the organization "the3million"?
It represents a support network for EU citizens living in the UK, highlighting the anxiety and personal instability faced by those whose futures remain uncertain due to the referendum outcome.
How does the author interpret the impact of Brexit on the Northern Ireland border?
The author identifies the potential end of the open border as a major source of tension, noting that any separation from the UK's status threatens the relationship between the British and Northern Irish societies.
Does the essay suggest that immigration is purely an economic issue?
No, the author argues that while economic arguments exist, immigration is also framed by many voters as a significant threat to their sense of national identity.
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- Anna Hosseini (Autor:in), 2019, Brexit. Why is it such a divisive and emotive issue?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/903357
