The Inner Class Divide: Assessing the Psychological Factors at Play in Promoting Change in Political Ideology.

Abstract

Southern Europe is witnessing a strong resurgence of the political Left. It is not yet clear though if this represents sweeping, long-term change political change or whether it is simply a short-term backlash against austerity and corruption. To consider whether new ideologies are taking hold it is important to consider these changes from a psychological standpoint and to analyse whether capitalism’s hold over the psyche can be loosened by socially driven change. An ‘inner class divide’ exists between our innate 'social brain' and the aspect of the psyche which is conditioned by capitalism and consumption. If the current political changes in many countries are to be sustainable then confronting the psychological and ideological issues surrounding the existing political and economic structures will be paramount.