Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Political Culture

• Widely shared set of beliefs and values concerning government and other individuals

• Protection of basic freedoms, equality under the law, etc.

Political Socialization

• The process by which we get our political attitudes, values and beliefs.

• Who are the agents of our political socialization?

Agents of Political Socialization

• Family

• Peers

• Schools

• Religious and Civic organizations

• Mass Media

• Selective exposure?

• Selective perception?

• Political Activities

Examples of influence?

• Family-values and politics• Peers-see family• Schools-patriotism, respect for

authority---pledge of allegiance, civics requirements

• Religious/Civic organizations-moral views and responsibilities (abortion, assistance to the poor, etc.)

• Mass Media-? MTV, Facebook, Twitter• Political Activities: discussing politics,

working on a campaign, SGA, etc.

What is your ideology?

• www.idealog.org

• Introduction Together- Quiz on your own

• Use http://idealog.org/en/quiz/843543ae to take the Quiz.