The Road to Somewhere

“Anywhere” and “Somewhere” People

The election of Donald Trump in the United States and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom undermined established concepts of politics. These shocking results leave the classical labels of “left” and “right” less able to explain or shed insight on the larger election picture. To recategorize people’s political views in a way that better reflects recent trends, consider the distinction between Anywhere and Somewhere people.

Anywhere people are a minority of the population – an estimated 20% to 25% in the United Kingdom – who likely gained a college degree, moved away from their hometown and came to define themselves by their achievements, “self-realization” and career. Their mind-set is internationalist and meritocratic. They feel positive about globalization and change, partly because they know they are likely to come out on top. Their “progressive individualism” often celebrates an escape from community and communal constraints.

Somewhere people – an estimated half of the UK’s population – mostly stay in their hometown, have lower educational qualifications, and define themselves more through family...