Populism, culture and class: articulation and performance in contemporary British populism

ABSTRACT

This research examines the role of populism and class within the discourse of three contemporary British political party leaders. It begins by outlining the Essex-School perspective, focusing upon populism’s antagonistic division between ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’ and its relationship with class. Following this, an overview of Pierre Bourdieu’s research upon class helps explore cultural and economic class capital’s complexities and contemporary British relevance. Attention then turns to the role of populism and class in contemporary British political discourse. Analysis of Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon’s political articulation exposes an important overlap of populist and class-based appeals. This intersect sees cultural class meaningfully aid the populist toolkit; whilst populism reciprocally broadens class appeals. Cultural class signifiers remedy populism’s empty heart, providing a relatable connection to ‘the people’ through behaviour and symbolism. This indicates a multi-dimensional populist approach; elucidating how populists have successfully engaged broadly with the electorate.

KEYWORDS:

• Populism
• cultural class
• double articulation
• culture
• performance
• discourse analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Callum Tindall

Callum Tindall is a doctoral researcher in the school of politics and international relations at the University of Nottingham. Callum's research focuses upon the role of populism within contemporary British political discourse, whilst also having an interest in the role of populism and class in a broader European context. His research has been published on the LSE Brexit and PSA Blog and The Conversation, with media output including the leading German financial newspaper Handelsblatt and the Daily Express.