1. Unit II A4: Political Socialization

2. I. Definition
Political Socialization:
How people obtain information, beliefs, attitudes and values that they base their political views upon.
In plain English: Why people believe what they do

3. II. Agents of Socialization (things that influence your beliefs)
Groups:
Family
Provide structure for all belief
Peer groups
Guide acceptable behavior and influences
Very important to adolescents
Media
Filters information about the government and its role
Media chooses much of what citizens know, so it has a large impact.

4. 2. Demographics Gender Men & women differ in their political views
Examples:
Women less likely to support war
Men less likely to support social programs to help families
Education
What you are taught & the narrative is nearly the same as media's influence
More education typically means more liberal... a LARGE portion of College professors are liberal...
Religion
Lays foundation for acceptable & unacceptable behaviors
Many morals & values are founded here.

5. D. Region you live in
i. Different regions have different political practices
ii. Peers & Culture?
iii. South: Conservative Northeast: Liberal
E. Social Class
i. Largely has to do with what you have and what you want to have
ii. Working class & poor=liberal. Wealthy = conservative.
F. Ethnicity
i. This is closely related to your cultural beliefs
ii. Disadvantaged groups often are more
liberal--they want or need gov't protection from
the majority

6. 3. Time
a. Life-cycle
i. People's political ideas change based on their age.
ii. "If you're not a liberal at 20 you have no heart. If you're not a conservative at 40 you have no brain" (Churchill)
b. Period Effects
i. Major historical events that effect everyone
ii. Ex: 9/11 or economic depressions
c. Cohort Effects
i. Specific event that has influence over a
specific group of people

7. III. Typical Groups.... Liberal Younger adults Working class
Union members
Urban dwellers
Poor elderly
Minorities
Northeast US
Conservative
Older adults
Upper class
"Professional" workers
Rural & suburban dwellers
Largely white
South