Unit 3: Political Culture and Socialization

Definition of Political Culture A set of widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning how political and economic life ought to be carried out Fundamental assumptions about how political process should operate

What is the difference? (Stereotypes Encouraged)

Values that are distinctly American 1. Democracy 2. Liberty 3. Equality 4. Civic Duty Individual Responsibility Political Tolerance

Democracy Democracy: government officials should be accountable to the people Consent of the governed Elections confer legitimacy of leaders Majority rule with the protection of the minority’s rights as well Limited Government

“My right to extend my fist ends before your face.” Liberty The belief that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the freedom and well being of others. “My right to extend my fist ends before your face.” Preoccupied with our rights Freedom to do as we please within certain limits John Locke and Thomas Jefferson – “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

Equality “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” A belief in political, social, and legal equality.

Dilemmas of Equality Political equality Throughout American history with constitutional amendments guaranteeing the vote for ex-slaves in 1868, women in 1920, and other voting rights acts. Legal equality Where every citizen is supposed to have equal rights before the law, such as right to a speedy trial.

Dilemmas of Equality Equality of opportunity Is a widely-shared value that all have had an equal opportunity to become educated, make effort, take risks, invest, use talents, or just be lucky. To the extent race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or other factors make equality of opportunity different for different classes of citizens, Americans feel the value of equality of opportunity is violated.

Dilemmas of Equality Equality of results Is whether the government should take action to reduce income and other material inequalities

Civic Duty (Words not Actions?) People ought to take community affairs seriously and help out when possible On one hand… we have the highest volunteer rate out of any nation. On the other… we have the lowest voter turn out of any western, industrial democracy. On one hand… we support spreading democracy because we believe in its importance On the other… we avoid Jury Duty like the plague

Civic Duty (Words not Actions?) At the end of the day most Americans claim it is important to be involved in community life, but remain woefully ignorant of political and governmental affairs.

Importance and dignity of the individual Individualism Importance and dignity of the individual Rugged Individualism barring some disability, individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being Meritocracy We are more willing to tolerate economic inequality than political inequality

Seen In Culture

Political Tolerance Democracy depends on citizens being reasonably tolerant of the opinions and actions of others Most Americans claim to be fairly tolerant of others More complex than what is on the surface Overwhelming majority agree with freedom of speech, religion, right to petition We are willing to allow people we disagree with to speak and act how they please Most people dislike one or another group strongly enough to deny it certain political rights, although many are unwilling to act on those beliefs

Impact of Culture (Political Efficacy) Internal Efficacy External Efficacy Does a citizen believe they understand current events, politics, and the government? Constant rate since 1950 Lags behind other Western Democracy Does a citizen believe they can act an impact the actions, policies, and directions of the government? Sharp decline since the 1970s

Impact of Culture (On Policy) Policies are viewed with suspicion if it doesn’t conform to political culture Large government organization Removes control from free market Restricts individual choices Promotes equality of result People are willing to support programs that help those in need (old, young, disabled, etc.) but not those that can “help themselves) Example: Devolution succeeded with Welfare but not Medicaid

Political Socialization The way people acquire their political values. Family members. School and peers. Media, especially television. Religion. Demographics: race, ethnicity, gender, age, and region. Outside events. Families are the most important reference group, with parents and siblings orienting each other to politics, the media, and the community. Public schools are another source of the American political culture. Children and teachers often begin the school day by saluting the flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, or singing the national anthem. Colleges and universities also help foster the American political culture. Students who attend college are often more confident than others in dealing with bureaucracy and politics. American churches, synagogues, and mosques have long fostered a common understanding of right and wrong and of freedom.

What is American Exceptionalism? The general idea that America is so very different from the rest of the world and because of this we are special. Unique Ideology: freedom, equality, and individualism Immigrant History Lead the World to Democracy and Freedom Conflicts with other nations? (Treaties, Wars, Etc.) So is America exceptional???