Not all of the far right have low educational outcomes, and not all those who have low educational outcomes are far right. However, the far right is often perceived to be less educated due to correlations between lower education levels and support for far-right ideologies. This perception is shaped by academic studies, voting patterns, and the rhetoric of far-right movements. Here are some key reasons for this perception, with clear examples:
1. Academic Studies and Surveys
Multiple studies indicate that lower levels of education are associated with higher support for far-right parties.
- A 2016 study by the London School of Economics found that Brexit support was strongest in areas with lower educational attainment.
- The British Election Study (BES) showed that people without university degrees were far more likely to vote for UKIP or the Brexit Party.
2. Anti-Intellectualism in Far-Right Movements
Many far-right groups promote distrust of experts, academics, and mainstream media, reinforcing the perception of low education.
- In the UK, Nigel Farage famously dismissed experts during the Brexit campaign, saying, “People in this country have had enough of experts.”
- The Trump movement in the US (which has links to global far-right networks) frequently attacked “elite” institutions like universities and the media, portraying them as out of touch.
3. Simplistic Narratives and Populism
Far-right movements often appeal to emotion rather than complex policy discussions.
- The Brexit campaign used slogans like “Take Back Control” rather than detailed economic analysis, which resonated more with people without higher education.
- France’s National Rally (formerly Front National) simplifies immigration and economic problems into easy-to-digest messages, which tend to attract voters with lower educational backgrounds.
4. Geographical and Socioeconomic Factors
Far-right support is often highest in post-industrial, economically deprived areas where educational opportunities are lower.
- In the UK, places like Stoke-on-Trent and the South Wales Valleys, which have lower-than-average education levels, voted heavily for Brexit and have seen support for far-right parties.
- In Germany, the far-right AfD performs best in eastern regions, where education and job prospects tend to be lower compared to the west.
5. Hostility Towards Multiculturalism and Globalisation
Those with higher education levels are more likely to work in diverse environments and engage with different cultures, making them less susceptible to far-right xenophobia.
- Studies show that graduates overwhelmingly opposed Brexit, while non-graduates supported it.
- In the US, areas with more university graduates were far less likely to vote for Trump.
The Irony!
One thing that is guaranteed though is that certain groups struggle with irony and the ability to understand irony is associated much more with higher educational ability.
That damn English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

What little money I have, I will give to a cocaine-snorting con man. Of course!

How the most obese country on the planet sees itself.

Yes of course Jesus would be on a far right march waving meaningless flags wouldn’t he?

Your nicked!

This John Cann, who was sent to prison for violent disorder at the far-right protests in August 2024.

Gis a job! I can do that.

That messiah of free speech, old Musky

And the so-called leader of the free world (I know…)

Trump Spew (remember free speech?)

And on and on it goes.
For every one of them, here is a present that can change their lives forever: