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Has Parliament become out of touch with modern society?

Malvina Laimable

Parliament has always been an important institution, representing the voice of the people and governing our society. However, in recent years, it is not difficult to argue that Parliament has become out of touch with modern society. From the Brexit referendum to the recent general election, there are countless examples of how Parliament has struggled to connect with the people it serves.

One of the main reasons for this disconnect is the lack of diversity within Parliament. Despite progress made in recent years, the vast majority of MPs are still white, male, and from privileged backgrounds. This means that the views and experiences of large sections of society are woefully underrepresented, leading to an inability to truly understand and address the concerns of the wider population.

Another issue that has driven the wedge between Parliament and modern society is the digital divide. As social media and online campaigning become increasingly important in elections and politics more generally, many MPs still struggle to understand or utilize these new channels effectively. This leaves them unable to connect with younger voters who may be more politically engaged on social media, as well as making them appear outdated and irrelevant.

Furthermore, there is a growing sense of frustration with the way that Parliament operates. Many people feel that they are not listened to, or that their concerns are disregarded in favor of political self-interest. This can lead to a lack of trust in the political system as a whole, making it more difficult to engage people in the democratic process and leading to further disconnection between Parliament and modern society.

In order to address these issues and bring Parliament back in touch with modern society, there are a number of steps that could be taken. First and foremost, there needs to be a concerted effort to diversify the makeup of Parliament, ensuring that it better reflects the society it serves. This could involve measures such as quotas or affirmative action to encourage greater representation from underrepresented groups.

Additionally, there needs to be a greater focus on digital engagement and social media, with MPs and political parties investing in training and resources to help them better understand and utilize these channels. This could involve setting up dedicated social media teams or engaging with influencers and online communities to ensure that the political conversation encompasses a wider range of voices.

Finally, there needs to be a greater sense of transparency and accountability within Parliament, with MPs encouraged to listen to their constituents and act in their best interests. This could involve setting up independent review boards to scrutinize the actions of MPs and ensuring that there are robust systems in place to ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, Parliament has become increasingly out of touch with modern society in recent years, with a lack of diversity, digital literacy, and transparency contributing to a growing sense of disconnection. However, by taking steps to address these issues and foster greater engagement between Parliament and the wider public, it is possible to rebuild trust and reconnect with the people it serves.