1/ Working class support for the Tories isn't just due to disorientated people in a fragmented society clinging onto tribal nationalism.
It's also because economic stagnation makes economics and politics seem like a zero sum struggle for resources between social groups.
It's also because economic stagnation makes economics and politics seem like a zero sum struggle for resources between social groups.
2/ Economic and social change has disrupted the white working class more than any other large social group. They feel that as natives they deserve preferential treatment, and feel that the liberal-left focus on minorities betrays them.
3/ So identification with the bogus security and solidarity of tribal nationalism is augmented by a bitter white nativist resentment against a progressive politics that they believe puts them at the back of the queue.
4/ For resentful white working class folk, right-wing hostility to EU migrants, the hostile environment and Tory racist dogwhistles all have a refreshing feel of putting white natives first.
5/ Promises of economic improvement will have little effect on such voters. They want their politicians to put white natives first, and that's something no opposition party can do.
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