Analysis and Results (1000 Words)Statistics and Statistical Analysis. Quebec (Secondary Data)Leger and Leger for the Journal de Montreal Globe and Mail, latest that of October 23-25, 1995.

Key information:

By ethnicity:

Support for independence ranged from 55% to 61% amongst French ethnicity in the three surveys that were conducted. In comparison amongst those who identified with English ethnicity, support ranged from 5-8%. This unequivocally shows that the Quebec independence movement is very much due to culture, ethnicity and language.

Gender split was such more even: 51-58% for men, 43-48% for women. There is a clear difference in support but not enough to make a huge case out of.

18-34 support was between 53% and 59%. In comparison for over 55s it was 32-36%. There is a clear age discrepancy. Those who were younger in Quebec clearly identified as being in support of independence rather than being against it. The older people were more likely to be affluent, another key indicator in being against independence.

In terms of income, those who earned less than $C30000 tended to be more in support of independence than those who earned $C60000 however there were also outlying polls which told a different story.

Gallup Polling October 19-22nd 1995

Some of the most surprising polling data when comparing with Basques and Scotland was the lack of opinion that the neighbours of Quebec expressed. Only 4%-10% were interested in the referendum, a systemic 56%-72% were not at all interested. Many opposed or favoured Quebec independence however, the largest group in fact had no opinion at all.

Basques (Secondary Data)

Euskobarometro 2006 data.

One of the first points that is made within Basque research is the notion that they identify as being part of a regional collective rather than a national collective. This is a trend that is reflected throughout all of Spain (77% prefer regional identity over national). In the Basques, 42% identify as being part of a multi-national state, only 24% see themselves as part of a Spanish nation. In the Basques, 13% see themselves as being in an ‘alien country’. There are clearly notions of Basque autonomy, in comparison only 3% Catalans view themselves in this light. Most see Spain as a valid country (78%) but do not necessarily feel part of it. Only 16% feel Spanish only, on a national level. There is an aggregate average of 61% identity compatibility in the Basques. 46% still identity as being solely Basque or more Basque than Spanish, showing that there remains strong nationalistic leanings towards the Basques being an autonomous community.

Patriotism in the Basques follows a reasonably similar trend to that of Scotland, it is not necessarily the idea of national identity that underpins a collective will for independence. Instead it appears to be the politics of lifestyle, of believing in a shared identity of hard work, community and a desire for political devolution and change. These can be encapsulated under a broad left-wing tent of the political, the important of social welfare policy for example.

Euskobarometro Identity Data

The identities poll conducted by Euskobarometro is of vital importance in helping understanding of the reasons those from the Basques want independence. It is clearly less to do about nationalist feelings then it was 20 years ago, Yes 42/49 No in 1996 to Yes 23/71 No in 2005. The data shows that Basque identity is irrevocably linked to ‘the will to be Basque’, lineage and language have been replaced by working in the country. This data shows that the idea of Basque independence isn’t only backed by nationalism, but pragmatic autonomy perhaps instead. There is the idea of a large working ethic in Basques, perhaps this is working class (left) ideals coming through. In addition to this, as well as a left-right dichotomy in Spain, there is also a peripheral-central dichotomy. 36% believe that regional organisations have more power than national government, a huge percentage compared to other Western nation states. . Study no. SEJ 2006-15076, Dec. 2007; see www.ehu.es/euskobarometro [accessed 1 January 2008].

In addition to this data, there remains growing support for regional autonomy in Spain. It has peaked at around 58% in 2007, up from 30% in 1985. This data dispels the idea put forth by many academics that Basque independence is on the decline.

Scotland (Primary Data and Secondary Data) I have been fortunate enough to be able to collect my own primary data set on the reasoning behind independence through the means of surveying and have amalgamated this with existing data sets in order to reach the most assured conclusions. This data has unequivocally contributed to my analysis of the data from the other independence movements and also of the academic literature I have discussed.

Preliminary data research from Dumfries, as a no sector area shows the importance of community in underpinning a desire for independence. Unsurprisingly, all of the factors/indicators have scored positively, this is due to deliberate specification of only those supporting independence. Community has scored highly, a feeling of dissatisfaction and apathy with Westminster rule has also scored strongly (Percentage figures to follow, following write up). It will be interesting to look at the potentials for rural urban dichotomy in the support levels and also in pro-independence areas vs neutral and anti-independence. The aspect of community will be particularly important when attempting to reconcile the potential differences between the collective and the individual (and structure v agency) in independence movements.

Political beliefs are unequivocally of real importance in helping to explain why people in Scotland desire independence, interestingly this politics does not appear to necessarily derive from apathy, a feeling of hatred or disenfranchisement with British rule as much as it does with the ideals of community, shared culture and a pragmatic idea of independence bringing the people more benefits than negatives.

Overall Figures SA or A SD or D

Community 91.74% 5.90%

Apathy 69.60% 4.71%

Benefits Outweigh Negatives 85.14% 10.37%

Political Beliefs 82.10% 15.09%

Patriotism 79.96% 16.04%