PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

Public opinion – the aggregate of individual attitudes or beliefs shared by some portion of the adult population –Extremely dynamic; shaped by and shapes groups –The private becomes public Distribution of Opinion –Consensus : general agreement among the people –Divisive Opinion: Public opinion that is polarized between two positions What is Public Opinion?

Shaping Opinion Political Socialization - The process in which individuals acquire political beliefs and values Major Agents of Socialization –Family –School –Peers –Media (opinion leaders)

The Family and Education Family: Most important agent of socialization –Families have similar political views –Usually hold same party affiliation as parents Influence of adult children in 2008 election School: pass on American political values –Significant formal influence Intentional via curriculum Unintentional via teacher behavior and attitude

Peer groups and Media Peer Groups: increases in influence with age –May stem from group participation in the political –Often indirect; shapes how to behave in relationships, transmission of social behavior Media: Communicates the issues –Often most common connection to opinion leaders –Agenda Setting

Other Factors Political Events –Lifestyle effect: Certain attitudes at certain ages Being a teenager vs. being a parent –Generational effect: event that has lasting impact Watergate and 9/11 Religion – predicts party affiliation and voting behavior – Social Status Theory Catholics & Jews – Associated with the Democratic Party because used to be poor and therefore democratic. –Religious Tradition Theory: The moral teachings guides party affiliation. Jews – Social justice Protestants – Personal salvation

Other Factors Identity Politics –Socio-Economic Status –Race and Ethnicity –Gender –Region Election specific-factors –Party Identification –Perception of the Candidates –Issue Preferences

Voting Behavior