Snapshots of insecurity: an exploration of personal values and economic insecurity in 2021 - RSA

Snapshots of insecurity: an exploration of personal values and economic insecurity in 2021

Policy briefing

  • Economy
  • Work and employment

Britain is divided. We often hear of a new gap in our shared values, and of a widening inequality. But new analysis from the RSA shows that there is consensus on some issues – like giving citizens a greater voice, tackling climate change, and reducing regional inequalities.

Through fresh data analysis, we have created seven ‘snapshots’ of insecurity in the UK – showing that much of the public faces extreme precarity, and others, financial stability.

Our three insecure groups have issues unique to them: the progressive working class - deep-seated money worries and a perceived lack of opportunity in their surroundings; the discontented right - concerns about job security and a lack of agency in the workplace; and in the metropolitan precariat - over-work, and fluctuations in regular pay.

In response, we are calling for the government to act: to retain the uplift in universal credit, provide greater protections for good work, and to devolve employment and welfare policy.

 

Further reading

pdf 417.5 KB

Authors

Picture of Will Grimond
Media and Communications Officer

Picture of Ash Singleton
Former Head of Media and Communications

Picture of Anthony Painter
Former Chief Research & Impact Officer (CRIO)

Related articles

  • RSA welcomes new Fellowship councillors

    Fellowship news

    Ben Fleming

    We are pleased to announce our three new Fellowship Councillors, following the resignation of Claire Doran (South-East), Matthias Hilner (Central), and Tony Sheehan (Ireland) due to relocation and work commitments.

  • UK Black Pride: celebration and protest

    Comment

    Saba Ali

    Saba Ali explains why UK Black Pride is such an important part of Pride Month, promoting diversity and Black culture while addressing the multiple forms of discrimination faced by People of Colour from the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Pride Month 2024: Celebrating Fellows in the LGBTQ+ community

    Blog

    Deborah Ajia

    For Pride Month 2024, we're celebrating our Fellows' and collaborators' impactful work supporting LGBTQ+ communities, from providing vital resources to fighting for human rights and preserving queer history through art and education.