Why 37% of Young Brits Support Dictatorship: The Alarming Impact of Education on Political Views in the UK
Author: Stephen Bailey
Published: 29th July 2025
Introduction
A new study has unearthed a deeply troubling reality: a growing number of young Britons express positive views towards authoritarian regimes. As shocking as it sounds, the roots of this shift may lie within the very institutions tasked with shaping their minds—our education system. The impact of education on political views in the UK has never been more evident, nor more contentious. Are we witnessing a generational shift away from democratic ideals towards political extremism, nurtured by ideological bias in schools and universities?
The Impact of Education on Political Views in the UK
Recent surveys, including one by think tank Onward and Merlin, have laid bare a troubling generational divide in political attitudes across the United Kingdom. Among Britons aged 18–24, a staggering 37% expressed support for governance by “a king with no government or elections.” More than a quarter had a positive outlook on fascism, and nearly a third favoured communism—a doctrine historically marked by authoritarian control under figures like Stalin.
Older generations, by contrast, remain steadfast in their support of democratic systems. Only 7% of those aged 65 or over expressed favourable views of fascism, and just 23% supported monarchical autocracy. Clearly, there is a growing ideological chasm between generations.
The impact of education on political views in the UK appears to be a key factor in this divergence. With younger Britons overwhelmingly educated within a system increasingly influenced by leftist ideology, questions are being raised about whether schools and universities are encouraging critical thinking—or programming students with predetermined worldviews.
How Education May Be Cultivating Extremist Leanings
The assertion that today’s educational environment is heavily influenced by a progressive agenda is not unfounded. From primary schools to universities, there’s growing concern that many institutions have drifted towards a model of ideological conditioning. Terms such as “woke” and “cultural Marxism” are used to describe what critics claim is a dominant left-wing narrative being enforced within the classroom.
When educators teach students that certain political perspectives are inherently evil while others are morally righteous, the space for genuine debate is constricted. This fosters an atmosphere where democracy is seen as flawed—particularly when democratic outcomes defy progressive ideals, such as Brexit or the 2019 General Election.
Many young people, frustrated with outcomes that oppose their values, begin to equate democracy with failure. In such an environment, authoritarian alternatives might appear not only acceptable, but desirable.
Cultural Marxism and Its Role in Shaping Political Beliefs
The notion of a long march through the institutions—originally theorised by Antonio Gramsci and the Frankfurt School—finds modern resonance in today’s educational structure. Over decades, cultural-Marxist ideology has steadily permeated the UK’s educational framework, influencing everything from history syllabuses to classroom discussion norms.
What was once a broad national consensus valuing democratic government now seems eroded. Where older generations were shaped by the collective trauma and lessons of WWII, younger cohorts are increasingly disconnected from those narratives. Instead, they are often immersed in identity politics, social justice rhetoric, and frameworks that prioritise group grievance over collective civic responsibility.
Is This Truly a Threat to Democracy?
Yes—and it’s a threat we can’t afford to ignore. When democracy is only acceptable if it yields the “correct” results, it ceases to function. A genuine democracy must include mechanisms for disagreement, dissent, and compromise.
Yet today’s youth, having been educated in environments that reward ideological conformity, are often unprepared to engage respectfully with opposing views. Instead, they gravitate towards extremes—whether in the form of leftist revolutionary ideals or reactionary monarchism.
These trends, if left unchecked, could undermine the very foundations of liberal democracy in the UK.
Conclusion
The impact of education on political views in the UK is a matter of urgent national concern. A generation that increasingly sees authoritarianism as a viable alternative to democracy is not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. Whether through cultural bias, lack of civic education, or emotional reactivity, our schools and universities are shaping minds in ways that challenge democratic values.
It’s time for reform—before the seeds of extremism take deeper root. Balanced education is not about silencing any view; it’s about making space for all views and cultivating the next generation of informed, tolerant, and democratically-minded citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are young people in the UK supporting dictatorship?
Surveys show a decline in support for democracy among youth. Influences include ideological bias in education, disillusionment with political outcomes, and polarised media consumption.
Is education in the UK really biased?
Many critics argue that educational institutions, especially at the tertiary level, promote left-leaning ideologies while discouraging conservative perspectives, affecting students’ political views.
How did support for democracy change over generations?
Older generations, influenced by WWII and the Cold War, value democratic systems. Younger generations, lacking that historical memory and shaped by different narratives, are more open to authoritarian ideas.
What is cultural Marxism in education?
A term used to describe the ideological shift in educational content and governance, focusing on identity politics, social justice, and progressive values often at the expense of traditional viewpoints.
Can education be reformed to restore balance?
Yes. Solutions include reviewing curricula for balance, training educators in impartiality, reintroducing civic education, and encouraging critical thinking over ideological alignment.
What role do parents play in shaping political views?
Parents can offset educational bias by promoting open discussion, encouraging reading from diverse sources, and getting involved in school policy discussions.
Stephen Bailey
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Conservative Friends of Education or the Conservative Party. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or endorsement by Conservative Friends of Education.
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