1. American Political Values
What is political culture?
Collection of beliefs and values about the justification and operation of a country’s government.
What are some examples of American political values?
Liberalism (Individual Freedom)
Individual Responsibility (Civic Republicanism)
Equality
Religious Faith?
Unlike other countries, political culture is the basis for US society.
Many cultures are run by the main religion(s) of the country. Most ppl in usa trace their ancestry to other countries.

2. American Political Values
Political Values in a Multicultural Society
Multiculturalism
Non-Hispanic whites a minority by 2060
Do you think that the demographic changes depicted in the next slide will/have change(d) American political culture?
Many contend that there is no single American political culture, but a series of sub-cultures based on race, class, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or region.
Multiculturalism – sends distinct message about ethnicity. Nation of immigrants, that assimilate and melt together, and maintain aspects of their culture. Adapt to political culture, but keep moral culture of their ancestors. Will the “browning of America” change the political culture of the USA? Through intermarriage, some cultures are eradicated.

4. Immigration and Economics/Culture
Studies focused on economic impact of immigration are mixed:
- Impact on wages, costs of products, state and local governments, hospitals etc.
There is also a question of whether current waves of immigrants is eradicating American political culture.
- Based on nature of Latino immigrants and proximity of Latin America to US.
- Fear/hostility toward immigrants is nothing new in US-fueled by state of economy.

5. Immigration Opinions
I-Clicker: Immigration has an overall positive impact on New Mexico’s economy.
Agree
B) Disagree
I-Clicker: Do you believe that continued external migration is good or bad for the political culture of the nation?
Good for the Nation
Bad for the Nation
Contiguity – no other country shares a border w/ a 3rd world country
Scale – Mexicans account for 27% of FB population in 2000
Regional concentration – Mexican population clustered in specific areas of the country.
Historical presence
Language – “Spanglish” as an official language.
Huntington argument. Assumes that culture should stay the same. Contradicts himself by saying that we are all settlers, but then knocks immigration. Assumes that assimilation happened naturally, when most of it was forced. Unfortunately, most of his argument holds true.

6. Diversity-Culture Paradox
Contrast in US between social diversity and general agreement in our political value system.
U.S. is more diverse in regard to race, ethnicity, and religious affiliation than most countries, yet has shown greater levels of agreement on fundamental political principles than in most countries.
What explains this trend?
Impact of land, lack of class-based society,
motivated protestant-ethnic based values.
Self-selection process provides unique population.
American society was founded on political culture.
Most had to be born into land, not be given free land as was the case during the colonization of the Americas. Divisions are now growing wider.

7. Rugged Individualism
Hudson argues that the political value of individuality has become a challenge to American democracy.
Hudson and Toqueville before him argue that individuality can eradicate civic virtue if taken too far.
Toqueville believed that “Habits of the Heart” among Americans helped to prevent radical individualism. Today’s scholars refer to this as Social Capital.
Toqueville scholar that came to assess the US democracy. Can’t figure out how the government is working. Habits of the heart are necessary for this government: observation that the community would work together to fix problems.

8. Social Capital
Lively civic participation in both governmental and non-governmental associations with other citizens in the community. Based on social networks and social trust.
Tocqueville was very impressed by the level of social capital in the US during the 1830’s. He saw ordinary citizens discussing political and community matters with not only other citizens but elites in local fraternal organizations and political associations alike. Would you classify today’s society the same way?

9. Decline in Social Capital
Bowling Alone- Book that claims Americans are less trustful of others today, and less active in organizations and associations with others.
What are some causes for this trend?
Radical Individualism made more readily available through technology (internet, TV, games) and suburbanization; gated communities.
The media’s overrepresentation of negative news which sells but causes people to be more fearful of society.
Politics based on special interests.
Theory suggest that people are less trusting of others in today’s society. Decrease could be caused by….media, and electronics,
Test theory….send out a poll. More media exposure, could lead to distrust.
Negative overrepresentation causes people to think that the world isn't safe when data suggests that it is in fact safer.

10. Impact of Technology
Dumbest Generation?
Impact on Relationships
Not necessarily a bad thing. Just indicates that technology has changed the way kids learn.

11. Do you agree with Hudson and Putnam?
Small Group Activity
What is the impact of technology on our society and relationships?
Are Putnam and Hudson accurate in their assessment that technology has led to increased individualism and eradicated social capital?
Do you believe that the heavy reliance on digital technology has made you the dumbest generation ever?

12. What are some consequences of this trend?
Decreased participation rates-Putnam finds that decreased social capital trends over time parallels our lower rates of voting.
Public policy focuses narrowly on individual interests and not on the public good (failing education system).

13. Low Stakes Assignment
Please list the two components of Social Capital as defined by Putnam, and provide an example of how social capital has declined over time.