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Britain's social attitudes revealed
The latest report into British social attitudes has revealed hardening views on immigration, more acceptance of genetically modified food and the declining interest of the young in politics.
Compiled by academics across the country and published by the National Centre for Social Research, the report gives an insight into the changing views of the population.
On immigration the study finds the number of people who think the number of immigrants to Britain should be reduced has risen from 65 per cent in 1995 to 74 per cent in 2003.
Over the same period, the proportion agreeing that Britain should "take stronger measures" to exclude illegal immigrants rose from an already high 78 per cent to 82 per cent.
The researchers find it likely that increasing anti-immigrant sentiment has been shaped by a growing belief that immigration has negative consequences for British society, particularly in relation to crime.
"It seems as if there has been a culture shift throughout society," said Lauren McLaren of the University of Nottingham.
"A desire to reduce immigration has increased most among groups who were previously quite pro-immigration such a graduates, Labour supporters and the politically interested.
"Given the barrage of news reports and government statements, added to actual increases in immigration, it's perhaps no wonder that the British have become less open to the idea of immigration".
British identity
More people now than in 1995 think that whether or not someone is "British" depends only on civic characteristics that people can acquire (such as speaking English) and that fixed ethnic characteristics are less important.
In 1995, people with these views formed 23 per cent of the population, but now represent 32 per cent.
The majority, 58 per cent, think a mixture of civic and ethnic characteristics are important in determining whether a person is truly British. Hardly anyone sees a person's "Britishness" as depending only on ethnic factors.
"Although a majority think that ethnic characteristics (such as being born in Britain) matter when it comes to being British, the size of this group is shrinking," explained James Tilley of Oxford University.
"This is because it contains a high proportion of older people who are more likely than younger generations to think that ethnic factors matter when it comes to who is truly British."
Politics and the young
The study found that young people's engagement with politics has declined over the last decade.
Ten years ago, 38 per cent of 12 to 19-year-olds had at least some interest in politics; now only 31 per cent do, and 68 per cent have little or no interest at all.
Young people are now far less likely than they were to feel attached to a particular political party.
Only 21 per cent now support a party, or feel closer to one party than another, half the rate found in 1994 when 43 per cent did.
Of those young people who do feel attached to a particular party, one in five opts for the Labour Party, one in 11 for the Conservatives, one in 16 the Liberal Democrats, and one in a 100 the Greens.
The findings suggest that young people are not more interested in environmental issues than mainstream politics.
Alison Park, co-director of the survey, said: "Young people might be encouraged to become more engaged in politics by developments such as citizenship teaching at school.
"But we clearly need to acknowledge the importance of the political stimulation that young people receive at home.
"And the key to improving this lies in the hands of British politicians and their ability to convince us all that politics is something to get excited about."
Genetics
People are becoming more accepting of genetic technology, whether in relation to modifying foods or developing medical applications, the survey also found.
Opposition to genetically modified foods has plummeted since 1999, falling from 52 per cent to 29 per cent.
A majority of the British public approve of human genetic intervention when there is a clear medical benefit.
Welfare state
When asked about the welfare state most people approved of the government's "carrot and stick" method of getting people off benefits and into work.
People are particularly supportive of tax credits for parents on low incomes.
Two thirds think government should top up the income of a lone parent on a low wage, and 59 per cent think this about a low income couple with children.
But far fewer (26 per cent) approve of government topping up the wages of low income couples without children, implying that there is as yet little support for the recent extension of the Working Tax Credit to childless low-paid workers.
Professor Peter Taylor-Gooby of the University of Kent said: "The approach to welfare pursued by New Labour has been broadly popular.
"Not only has it brought the party platform closer to the views of many on the centre and right of the political spectrum, but there has been a sea change in the views held by many of those on the left."
English devolution
Asked whether they wanted an elected regional assembly, 27 per cent of people in England said yes while 19 per cent would rather have an English parliament.
But a far larger proportion, 48 per cent, would rather things continue just the way they are, with laws being made by the UK parliament.
With more than 60 per cent saying they know nothing at all about the work of the assemblies or chambers that already exist in their regions, ignorance could be a factor in the findings.
"Evidently the public in Scotland and Wales couldn't now conceive of life without devolution, but England is different," said Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University.
"Here it seems there is little interest in devolution, despite the examples set by Scotland, Wales and even London.
"Having different arrangements in different parts of the UK may seem illogical, but it apparently reflects the varied contours of public opinion."
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