Britons Express Dissatisfaction with Progress Over 50 Years

A recent global poll indicates that many people in the UK feel discontented with the progress made over the last fifty years. An overwhelming number believe that happiness and safety were more prevalent in the past, with some even expressing a desire to have been born earlier.

According to Ipsos, a prominent polling company, around 63% of Britons stated they feel less satisfied with the current state of the country compared to 1975. This is significantly higher than the mere 12% who expect future happiness in 2025. It’s a striking contrast, showing a deep-seated sentiment that things were better in the past.

The sense of dissatisfaction in the UK surpasses the global average of 55%, with a few other nations sharing similar feelings. Interestingly, France reported that 70% felt their country was happier back in the 1970s.

In addition to happiness, safety is another concern. The Ipsos survey revealed that 60% of respondents believe the UK was a safer place in 1975, while only 17% think it’s safer today. A substantial number of people think it would have been preferable to be born in the ’70s instead of now. Even among younger generations, like Gen Z, there’s skepticism about the benefits of being born in the present day.

It’s easy to brush this off as mere nostalgia—or perhaps a longing for a childhood not clearly remembered. However, Ipsos highlighted that a significant portion of the surveyed population wasn’t even alive in 1975. They noted that these results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the country, although they didn’t comment on factors like recency bias.

This unease isn’t confined to local issues. The poll highlighted that amid various global conflicts, respondents today feel more anxious about war than during the Cold War era. In the UK, only 44% believe there was less risk of war fifty years ago, and a scant 16% foresee a safer future in 2025.

The Ipsos survey is part of a broader trend indicating serious concerns among British citizens. A study from the University of London indicated that most people see the country as divided, with 86% sensing tension between immigrants and those born in the UK. Furthermore, half of the electorate feels that changes are happening too rapidly, with many advocating for a return to previous norms.

Complaints frequently center around immigration, with a substantial portion of the populace fearing a loss of national identity due to openness to global migration. Additionally, many believe that a decline in the white population negatively impacts society, and that diversity makes it weaker.

Recently, further research underscored that many Britons support what could be described as mass deportation. Notably, Brexit leader Nigel Farage remarked on the shifting perspectives, suggesting that the sentiment among people indicates they’ve had enough.