Unit 3: Political Culture and Socialization

Definition of Political Culture

A set of widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning how political and economic life ought to

be carried out

Fundamental assumptions about how political process should operate

What is the difference?(Stereotypes Encouraged)

Values that are distinctly American

1. Democracy2. Liberty3. Equality4. Civic Duty5. Individual Responsibility6. Political Tolerance

Democracy

Democracy: government officials should be accountable to the people• Consent of the governed• Elections confer legitimacy of leaders•Majority rule with the protection of the minority’s rights as well• Limited Government

Liberty

The belief that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on

the freedom and well being of others.“My right to extend my fist ends before your face.”

Preoccupied with our rights• Freedom to do as we please within certain limits• John Locke and Thomas Jefferson – “life, liberty, and

the pursuit of happiness…”

Equality

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

A belief in political, social, and legal equality.

Dilemmas of Equality

Political equality Throughout American history with constitutional

amendments guaranteeing the vote for ex-slaves in 1868, women in 1920, and other voting rights acts.

Legal equality Where every citizen is supposed to have equal rights before

the law, such as right to a speedy trial.

Dilemmas of Equality

Equality of opportunity Is a widely-shared value that all have had an equal

opportunity to become educated, make effort, take risks, invest, use talents, or just be lucky.

To the extent race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or other factors make equality of opportunity different for different classes of citizens, Americans feel the value of equality of

opportunity is violated.

Dilemmas of Equality

Equality of results Is whether the government should take action to reduce income and other material inequalities

Civic Duty (Words not Actions?)

People ought to take community affairs seriously and help out when possible

On one hand… we have the highest volunteer rate out of any nation.On the other… we have the lowest voter turn out of any western, industrial democracy.On one hand… we support spreading democracy because we believe in its importanceOn the other… we avoid Jury Duty like the plague

Civic Duty (Words not Actions?)

At the end of the day most Americans claim it is important

to be involved in community life, but

remain woefully ignorant of political and governmental

affairs.

Individualism

Importance and dignity of the individual

Rugged Individualism barring some disability, individuals are responsible for their own

actions and well-being

MeritocracyWe are more willing to tolerate economic inequality than

political inequality

Seen In Culture

Political ToleranceDemocracy depends on citizens being reasonably tolerant

of the opinions and actions of others

• Most Americans claim to be fairly tolerant of others• More complex than what is on the surface• Overwhelming majority agree with freedom of speech, religion,

right to petition• We are willing to allow people we disagree with to speak and act

how they please• Most people dislike one or another group strongly enough to deny

it certain political rights, although many are unwilling to act on those beliefs

Impact of Culture (Political Efficacy)

Internal Efficacy• Does a citizen believe they

understand current events, politics, and the government?• Constant rate since 1950• Lags behind other Western

Democracy

External Efficacy• Does a citizen believe they

can act an impact the actions, policies, and directions of the government?• Sharp decline since the

1970s

Impact of Culture (On Policy)

Policies are viewed with suspicion if it doesn’t conform to political culture• Large government organization• Removes control from free market• Restricts individual choices• Promotes equality of result

People are willing to support programs that help those in need (old, young, disabled, etc.) but not those that can “help themselves)

Example: Devolution succeeded with Welfare but not Medicaid

Political Socialization The way people acquire their political values.

• Family members.• School and peers.• Media, especially television.• Religion.• Demographics: race, ethnicity, gender, age, and region.

• Outside events.