1. 2-1: POLITICAL CULTURE AND SOCIALIZATION

2. Big Idea: Methods of Political Analysis
Enduring Understanding:
Citizen beliefs about government are shaped by the intersection of demographics, political culture, and dynamic social change.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the relationship between core beliefs of U.S. citizens and attitudes about the role of government.
Explain how cultural factors influence political attitudes and socialization.

3. Introduction Beliefs Opinion Public Opinion Political Culture
Deep-rooted ideals
Shape your perception of political issues
Opinion
Specific view of an issue
Public Opinion
The population’s attitudes about people and issues
Political Culture
Set of widely shared beliefs throughout society

4. Core Values Limited Government Equality Individualism Free Enterprise
Political equality
Rule of law
Equality of opportunity
Economic opportunity—NOT economic equality
Individualism
Free Enterprise
Democracy

5. Culture War Brewing? Recent trends toward polarization
Some argue that opposing groups have irreconcilable moral differences
Political Issues
Abortion
Gun control
Law enforcement
Cultural Issues
Sports
Music
Movies

8. Political Culture and the Government
Distrust of Government
Steady trend since 1950: people are less trusting of leaders and institutions
Linked to corresponding decline in political efficacy
Efficacy is the belief that political participation matters

9. Political Socialization
Overview
Political socialization is the process by which:
Political values are formed
Political values are passed from one generation to the next
Younger people more susceptible
Political behavior is learned
Informal learning much more significant than formal learning
Impact of Globalization

10. Agents of Socialization
Family
Most important
Monopolizes time
Strong political beliefs likely to rub off on children (at least 90% of the time)

11. Agents of Socialization
Mass Media
As children age, TV often displaces parents as chief source of information
Young people significantly less likely to read/watch the news
Over-simplification of issues

12. Agents of Socialization
Education
American values instilled through class elections, the pledge, student government, social studies
Higher education leads to more political involvement

13. Agents of Socialization
Social Groups
Political opinions differ by race, religion, gender, etc.
Gender Gap
Women more likely to vote Democratic
Men more likely to favor military spending
Women more likely to favor health care programs