Material deprivation and the Brexit referendum: a spatial multilevel analysis of the interplay between individual and regional deprivation

Abstract In this study, we investigate the relationship between individual and neighbourhood deprivation decision to vote for Brexit in 2016 referendum. Our analysis uses data from UK Household Longitudinal Study English Index of Multiple Deprivation, employs multilevel models account individual-level deprivation, larger-scale regional deprivation. We also examine interaction these scales. On average, find that individual, neighbourhood, wider area are associated with a higher likelihood voting Leave. However, effect is heterogeneous depends on broader spatial context: living deprived neighbourhoods (and lesser extent experiencing personal deprivation) has stronger behaviour more affluent regions. Conversely, close zero statistically insignificant areas country. These results suggest social comparison processes in-groups out-groups operate within larger contexts. study thus highlights role but their intersection, shaping political attitudes outcomes.