Ballot papers being counted during an election.

Public attitudes

The different ways that people think about social issues and how this affects social and policy change.

Our mission

How people think about social issues is an important determinant of social and policy change.

JRF seeks to understand how people’s attitudes influence the priorities and policies of various public and private bodies. This insight informs our policy development, helps us to create more resonant narratives and influences our public engagement strategies.

Public support

While public support doesn’t always translate into government policy, greater support is certainly more likely to result in sustained and increased action by all levels of government. Public attitudes also have a direct impact on the day-to-day experiences of people living in poverty.

Discover more about public attitudes

Night render of a building made of glowing cubes, people walking past

Is the ‘will of the people’ changing?

Does political polling contain clues about the direction of public policy after the next election?

Comment

Public attitudes

Swing voter views on hardship ahead of the next election

In a context where neither of the main parties are currently talking about the issues of deep poverty and hardship, this briefing sets out what key swing voters think about these issues. It looks at how they view the main parties’ current positioning on this agenda, to help inform party strategy and policy ahead of the next election.

Briefing

Deep poverty and destitution

Every voter counts: winning over low-income voters

Low-income voters have been locked out of policy-making and debate for too long. How can politicians gain their support and trust in the next election and beyond?

Report

Narrative change

Public attitudes

Our experts

Frank Soodeen

Director of Communications and Public Engagement