POL 101 Responsible Citizenship Political Socialization Political Socialization

POL 101: Responsible Citizenship Political Socialization

Political Socialization I. III. IV. Socializing Process Socializing Influences Political Culture Effects of Socialization

Socializing Process 1. Family discussion of events • Old paradigm • Parental interest leads to child interest • Value placement • Cynical attitudes or positive attitude

Socializing Process 2. • • • School discussion of events Values of teachers and transference to students? Basic models of “good” citizens Technology and funding issues

Socializing Process 3. Peer interaction • Selection of friends • interest in politics or discuss an issue, what impact does it have on your interest level? • Development of leader/follower values • Group identity (race, gender, income, etc. )

Socializing Process 4. • • • Transference of values (church, parents, peers) Where else can values come from? How are values reinforced? Church, groups, organizations – primary or secondary to a person? Depends on person… • Family, school, friends, community all influence to a different degree; values may change • How willing or able someone is to accept different values will impact transference

Socializing Process 5. Resolving psychological issues • Selective perception – picking up on what we only view as important. • In politics, this would cause problems with how policy and law are interpreted at different levels; what you read is the “correct” version.

Socializing Process 5. Resolving psychological issues • Cognitive Dissonance – internal conflict over new information that goes against your prior knowledge or beliefs. • In politics, this becomes problematic, especially if someone does not accept the need for changes in policy or law.

Socializing Influences Socialization is the process by which people get their values. Primary v. secondary groups Family Church values Peer groups School (citizenship) Lifetime events Workplace/social groups Lifetime experiences Media

Socializing Influences What is the image to the left? A. Coke B. Pop C. Soda D. Soda pop E. Carbonated beverage F. Sugar water A person’s answer to the question above can be a result of geographic differences or social influences.

Political Culture 1. FREEDOM OF SPEECH • GUARANTEED? • LIMITS? 2. MAJORITY RULE, MINORITY RIGHTS • RESTRICTIONS APPLY? • PROTECTION BY OR FOR?

Political Culture 3. 4. INDEPENDENCE • ABILITY TO CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY; “MANIFEST DESTINY” • TOO MUCH? “TYRANNY” OF GOVERNMENT • HOW LONG HAS THERE BEEN TRUST? • RALLY AROUND THE FLAG • WATCHFUL EYE…

Political Culture 5. 6. THE PROMISE OF DEMOCRACY • PREFERRED SYSTEM • WHY NOT PARTICIPATE? PRIVATE PROPERTY • “NO DOGS ALLOWED” • SENSE OF COMMUNITY?

Effects of Socialization • Socialization is the lifelong process of learning who you are and developing your “self. ” • Self is a product of what you are taught and with whom you interact. • Factors influence what you are passionate about in life.