1. Class as a Determinant of Voting Behaviour

Meaning of Class

Class refers to a person’s economic position in society based on income, occupation, education, and wealth.

How Class Influences Voting

1. Economic Interests
   • Poor voters support parties promising subsidies, jobs, and welfare.
2. Working Class
   • Labourers and workers prefer parties supporting minimum wages and social security.
3. Middle Class
   • Focus on development, governance, corruption-free administration.
4. Upper Class
   • Support policies favouring business, low taxes, and economic growth.

Positive Role of Class-Based Voting

✅ Reflects economic realities
✅ Encourages welfare and pro-poor policies
✅ Highlights inequality issues

Negative Role

❌ Creates economic divisions
❌ Encourages vote-bank politics
❌ May ignore national interest

2. Gender as a Determinant of Voting Behaviour

Meaning of Gender in Voting

Gender refers to differences in political behaviour between men and women voters.

Influence of Gender on Voting Behaviour

1. Women-Centric Issues
   • Safety, education, health, and welfare schemes attract women voters.
2. Rising Women Participation
   • Increased female voter turnout in recent elections.
3. Gender-Based Policies
   • Schemes for women empowerment influence voting.
4. Patriarchal Influence
   • In some areas, women’s voting decisions are influenced by family or community.

Positive Impact

✅ Greater political empowerment of women
✅ Gender-sensitive policies
✅ Strengthening democracy

Negative Impact

❌ Gender inequality affects independent voting
❌ Under-representation of women candidates

3. Voting Behaviour of Rural–Urban India

Meaning

Rural-urban voting behaviour refers to differences in voting patterns between rural and urban populations.

Rural Voting Behaviour

• Influenced by:
  • Caste and community
  • Local leaders
  • Agricultural issues
  • Welfare schemes
• Focus on basic needs: roads, water, electricity, subsidies.

Urban Voting Behaviour

• Influenced by:
  • Development and infrastructure
  • Employment opportunities
  • Governance and corruption
  • Education and media
• More individual and issue-based voting.

Comparison: Rural vs Urban Voting

Conclusion

Class, gender, and rural-urban background are important determinants of voting behaviour in India.
They reflect the country’s social and economic diversity.
While these factors help represent different interests, excessive dependence on them may lead to identity-based politics instead of development-oriented democracy.

📌 UG Exam Tips

✔ Write clear definitions
✔ Give 4–5 points under each heading
✔ Mention positives & negatives
✔ End with a balanced conclusion

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