Political Socialization

Political Socialization: Initial Thoughts How are Americans politically socialized? Why would this factor matter in an election? Which informal avenue of political socialization (family, mass media, school) would be the most influential? Why? Discussed in their role groups

Factors That Shape Public Opinion political socialization: refers to various influences on citizens’ attitudes about politics, such as family, school, mass media (the “new parent”), peer groups, work groups, social status, opinion leaders such as military leaders, news anchors, etc. Example of political socialization by peers/school

#1 FACTOR

How could this type of media coverage socialize our citizens?

Socialization is aimed at the young, not the old. Older people are already socialized and firm in their beliefs.

Is this an example of political socialization? If so, by whom?

This Helps with Political Socialization political efficacy: how we understand and influence government We believe that we can influence the government and trust them to do the right thing for its citizens. We have a sense of civic duty: vote, participate, obey laws, go to war, etc.

We also have political tolerance; we allow stuff we don’t personally agree with in a democracy (e.g., abortion debates, environmental protesters, Ku Klux Klan, etc.).

Political participation (activities used by citizens to influence political leaders and policies) is unequal among Americans.  Older people causing the “graying of America” are more active and more vocal about what policies they want from the government. Why? What do they have that your generation does not?

If young people were better represented, more programs would be likely available to their advantage. It’s the same with the poor. If more people with lower incomes participated, chances are good change would occur with poverty programs. If all age groups were represented, public policy would most likely be different.

Think of what your generation could do if it mobilized itself politically. What programs could you influence that would benefit your generation? How could you make this change?

How Do Americans Participate in Politics? Conventional Participation voting running for office volunteering for a campaign joining a political party giving money to candidates

How Do Americans Participate in Politics? Nonconventional Participation protests civil disobedience (nonviolent and violent methods)

Time to Revise Your Original Thinking If the voting population is the key to winning/ influencing an election, why does political socialization matter? How are Americans politically socialized?

Drawing Information from Text What? Review political socialization by completing the worksheet in your teams. SUGGESTED TEXT MATERIALS: p. 191-195 of text (Edwards, George C. III, Martin P. Wattenberg, Robert L. Lineberry. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy. 14th Edition. New York: Longman, 2009.) Purpose: Check for understanding over the agents (factors) that play a role in your political socialization process. How long do I have? You have 5 to 7 minutes, so work quickly and efficiently!

Political Ideologies Liberal/Democrat is a political philosophy based on the belief in progress and autonomy of the individual and stands for protection of civil liberties. A liberal believes the national government should be active in helping individuals and communities promote health, justice, and equal opportunity.

Political Ideologies Moderates/independents are individuals who generally hold the middle position between those generally identifying as either liberal or conservative. Since the 1970s, most Americans consider themselves political moderates (independents).

Political Ideologies Conservative/Republican is a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, established institutions, and a preference for gradual development over abrupt change. It is often called the GOP, which stands for Grand Ole Party. A conservative believes the role of the government in society should be limited and that individuals should be responsible for their own well-being.

Different ideologies for personal responsibility affect how people view the government and its responsibility to its citizens! Republican (conservative, leans RIGHT): self-reliance/personal responsibility, “hand up but not hand out” Democratic (liberal, leans LEFT): government provides/helps, “I will work hard to climb the ladder to success, but first I need the ladder” UPTIME AMERICA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXeCAeACmJE

What Is Your Political Ideology? Take a political party quiz: http://www.isidewith.com/political-quiz Which party comes closest to your political ideology? How are you socialized politically?