2-1: POLITICAL CULTURE AND SOCIALIZATION

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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