PARTY IDENTIFICATION AND PUBLIC SPENDING PRIORITIES IN THE AMERICAN ELECTORATE

Abstract. In a study published in 1980, Alan Lewis found that members of the British mass public tend to have clearly defined preferences on spending in specific policy areas and that these preferences are closely related to party identification. This paper examines Lewis's conclusion in the American setting. Data on eleven spending policies from the 1973 and 1980 General Social Survey are examined via factor analysis and multiple classification analysis. While some change is observed between 1973 and 1980, the preferences of the American public on public expenditures appear to be quite stable and, contrary to Lewis's findings these preferences are unrelated to party identification.     

Talking the Talk: Immigration Policy Since 1962

Immigration policy has repeatedly failed to fulfil the ambitions of its advocates. Successive governments have neither willed the means nor been open about the obstacles in their way to restricting immigration. Disappointing results have contributed to disillusionment with the political system and help to create the ground on which UKIP has prospered.     

Children Seeking Asylum in Wales

While there is an emerging body of research on children seekingasylum, the UK-based studies have to date been largely conductedin England. This paper presents the findings of qualitativeresearch on the experiences of children seeking asylum in Wales,a nation within the UK whose National Assembly has devolvedresponsibility for social welfare and educational services.The research involved interviews and focus groups with children,relevant professionals and a small number of parents. The findingsdescribed in this paper relate to some aspects of the children'sdaily lives, their hopes and fears and their attitudes towardsbeing dispersed to a strange and unknown country.