Political Socialization Public Opinion: opinions and attitudes shared by significant numbers of people on social and political issues. NOT individual opinions NOT on insignificant issues Tend to draw people to specific parties and candidates How are these opinions formed?

POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION Family: the most important factor. Children “absorb”their parents’ beliefs Education: Pledge of Allegiance, national holidays, history class, government class? Typically, more education = more political participation. Mass Media: newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, internet, blogs Opinion Leaders: public officials, religious leaders, teachers, celebrities, etc… Who else?

POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION Peer Groups: a group of people who share similar beliefs Economic Status / Occupation: welfare, government funding, taxes, etc. Age: typically, younger = more liberal (progressive), older = more conservative