John Curtice

Professor of Politics
University of Strathclyde
Professor of Politics

Biography

This fellowship is focused on public opinion towards Scotland's constitutional future, and will address three key questions:

  • Are people's attitudes towards independence simply a reflection of their sense of national identity, or are they are also shaped by what they think the consequences of independence would be?
  • Will people vote for or against independence simply based on this issue, or will they be influenced by their attitudes towards the UK government or the various political parties?
  • Has introducing devolution inevitably put Scotland on a path towards independence, or can a stable basis be found for governing Scotland within the framework of the United Kingdom?

The fellowship has resulted in the creation of a website, www.whatscotlandthinks.org, which provides a comprehensive collection of  data on public attitudes towards Scotland's future together together with blogs and briefings on the subject. This will be followed by a book length study in the new year.

Expertise

Constitution
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Posts by this author

Attitudes and Behaviours

Devolution Commission reflections: Key decisions on welfare and tax

| John Curtice
In the third of a series of blogs, our team comment on Labour's Devolution Commission findings. ScotCen's, John Curtice looks at public attitudes towards more devolution.
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Attitudes and Behaviours

Currency Reflections: The Campaign

| John Curtice
John Curtice reflects upon his discussion of the role of voters in the campaign in light of the Chancellor's remarks.
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Brexit

Pound or euro? It's not what Scottish voters are talking about

| John Curtice
John Curtice writes that while Politicians debate the future currency of an independent Scotland, most people just want a healthy economy.
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Attitudes and Behaviours

Economics of Scottish independence

| John Curtice
John Curtice reviews the polls. He finds that most indicators continue to suggest that the verdict will be No and argues that although the debate will range far and wide in the coming months, the victory will ultimately go to the side that presents the most convincing economic argument. This blog was republished from LSE British Politics and Policy blog.
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Attitudes and Behaviours

White paper reflections - Public Attitudes

| John Curtice
To have a prospect of being a ‘game changer’, at least so far as the balance of public opinion is concerned, the independence White Paper needed to have hit two buttons.
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Brexit

The Poll Position – A Quick Guide

| John Curtice
A quick guide to the state of public opinion so far – if the polls are to be believed.
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