AbstractsPolitical Science

Shifting political stances regarding immigration in the United Kingdom

by Kata Balint




Institution: Roskilde University
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: Immigration; Rational Choice Theory; UK; UKIP; David Cameron; Conservative Party
Record ID: 1119928
Full text PDF: http://rudar.ruc.dk/handle/1800/20798


Abstract

In our research, we set out to examine the alteration of David Cameron’s stance on immigration. On the grounds of the rational choice theory, we state our hypothesis, that is because of the rapid advancement of UKIP, Cameron shifts his political perspective about the issue. As UKIP has a radical standpoint on the matter and it gains considerable support, the prime minister as a rational actor is expected to shift his view. However, through conducting a qualitative content analysis on his four major speeches about immigration over the past parliamentary term, we learn that he has not substantially altered his political agenda in favor for gaining support. For this reason, we conclude that our hypothesis is disproved.