• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.79-110
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• 2023

The purpose of this research is to explore the relation between Brexit and division in various areas within the British society. This research can lead to understanding how division of the British society and the decision of Brexit was mutually influenced. The UK's withdrawal from the EU has been explained mainly through the relations between the EU and the UK; therefore, issues of immigration, EU regulation, and the UK's EU rebate are considered as major reasons. In addition, 'British identity' or 'British exceptionalism' existing in the British society and politics for a long time has been regarded as a reason for Brexit. Although it is generally accepted that Brexit results in the division in the British society, the reasons mentioned above have limitation to explain the result of referendum and the division of the British society in the post-Brexit era. In this sense, this research explores the division in various areas - generation, social grade including income and education level, value and region, etc. - revealed in the British society is not the result of Brexit; rather, this research argues division deeply rooted in the British society before referendum is the root cause of Brexit. The division in various areas immanent in the British society for a long time is complicatedly intertwined, and the decision on Brexit by referendum has led to solidifying the division of the British society. Having considered this division in the British society has been expanded to rancour, it is necessary for the UK to establish appropriate policies for national cohesion.