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

  • Facing the future: Scotland's challenges

    Fellowship news

    Fionna Monk

    On 26 November 2024, RSA Scotland discussed Scotland’s future with nine engaging speakers addressing various challenges facing the country. The venue was resonant – a former committee room at the French Institute used in its early days by the Scottish Parliament. This successful event was chaired with deftness and humour by the former Presiding Officer at the Parliament, Rt Hon Ken Macintosh.

  • Improving health through economic development

    Report

    Anna Markland Liv Chai Nicholas Heslop

    The RSA have created an Economies for Healthier Lives Programme Coaching Resource that pulls together our experience, insight and case studies from the five ‘Hubs’. This resource is designed to support those looking to learn from and replicate this work to get supported at every stage, from project inception through to legacy planning.

  • You asked, we listened. RSA Strengthens global and local connections for Fellows

    Fellowship news

    Line Kristensen Fionna Monk

    From our online global community platform Circle to enhanced local co-working spaces and personalised communications, we’re doing all we can to facilitate engagement with the RSA.