POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

- Akom Bomnuk Don

MEANING
Political socialization refers to the process through which individuals
internalize and develop their political beliefs, values and attitudes via the
agents of socialization. It's essentially how we learn about the political world
around us, shaping our understanding of government, our rights and
responsibilities as citizens and our place within the broader political landscape.
It encompasses all political learning whether formal or informal, or whether
deliberate or un-planned, at every stage of life.
Political socialisation is the process by which the ethos and behaviour of a
political system is communicated from one generation to another generation.
political socialisation is a continuous unconscious process. It is not a one-time
event but an ongoing journey that begins in childhood and continues
throughout life as we encounter new information, experiences and
perspectives. The process of political socialization is dynamic as our political
beliefs can evolve over time due to changing life circumstances and exposure
to new information. Moreover, the process is unique for each individual,
influenced by personal backgrounds, social context and individual personality
traits. It occurs through various agents and mechanisms like family, education,
peer groups etc.

DEFINITIONS
Gabriel A. Almond and G. B. Powell : “Political socialisation the process by
which political cultures are maintained and changed. Through the performance
of this function individuals are inducted into the political culture, their
orientations towards political objects are formed.”
Robert Sigel: "It is the gradual learning of the norms, attitudes and
behaviour acceptable to an on-going political system.”
Michal Rush and Philip Althoff. “Political socialisation may thus be defined as
the process by which the individual becomes acquainted with the political
system and which determines his reactions to political phenomena.”

AGENTS OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

The agents of political socialization play a crucial role in shaping the
individual’s political beliefs, values and attitudes throughout their lives. They
act as conduits of information and influence, impacting how individuals
perceive and interact with the political world.

1. Family:
It is the earliest and most impactful agent of political socialization.
The family is ‘child’s first window on the world outside’. Parents and
family members transmit their political values, party affiliations, and
attitudes towards government through conversations, actions, and role
modeling. The family can influence the development of political values
and ideas, such as respect for political symbols or belief in a particular
cause. The family, as an agent of political socialization, is most
successful in passing on basic political identities.
The home environment can either support or discourage young
people's involvement in political affairs. Children whose parents discuss
 politics frequently and encourage the expression of strong opinions,
even if it means challenging others, are likely to become politically
active adults. Young people raised in this type of family will often initiate
political discussions and encourage parents to become involved.
Alternatively, young people from homes where political conversations
are rare and airing controversial viewpoints is discouraged tend to
abstain from politics as adults.
There are limitations on the effectiveness of the family as an agent of
political learning and socialization. For most families, politics is not a
priority, as they are more concerned with issues related to day-to-day
life. Few parents serve as political role models for their children.

2. Education:
Formal education plays a crucial role in shaping political
understanding. In the numerous years in school, through primary,
secondary, and high schools, students are taught vital political principles
such as voting, elected representatives, individual rights, personal
responsibility, and the political history of their state and country.
Teachers, curriculum choices, and classroom discussions all contribute to
this process.

3. Peer Groups:
Friends and social circles influence political views through shared
experiences, discussions, and social pressure. Unlike the family and
school, which are structured hierarchically with adults exercising
authority, the peer group provides a forum for youth to interact with
people who are at similar levels of maturity.
Peer-group influence begins when children reach school age and
spend less time at home. Peer groups can reinforce existing beliefs or
introduce new perspectives, especially during adolescence when identity
formation is crucial.
The pressure to conform to group norms can have a powerful impact
on young people's political development if group members are engaged
in activities directly related to politics, such as student government or
working on a candidate's campaign. Young people even will change their
political viewpoints to conform to those held by the most vocal members
of their peer group rather than face being ostracized. Still, individuals
often gravitate toward groups that hold beliefs and values similar to their
own in order to minimize conflict and reinforce their personal views. As
in the case of families, the influence of peer groups is mitigated by the
fact that politics is not a high priority for most of them.

4. Media:
News outlets, social media platforms, and entertainment media shape
political perceptions by providing information (or misinformation) about
current events, political figures, and policy issues. The press provides
insights into the workings of government by showcasing political leaders
in action.
Some factors work against the media as agents of political
socialization. Media are, first and foremost, profit-driven entities that are
not mandated to be civic educators; they balance their public service
imperative against the desire to make money. Moreover, unlike
 teachers, journalists do not have formal training in how to educate
citizens about government and politics; as a result, the news often can
be more sensational than informative. The rise of social media has
further increased the risk of echo chambers and filter bubbles.

5. Religion: Religious beliefs and institutions can influence political views

on various issues, including social welfare, morality, family values, and
individual rights. Religious leaders and communities often play a role in
mobilizing support for or opposition to specific policies.

6. Workplace and Social Groups: Interactions within workplaces,

professional organizations, and community groups expose individuals to
diverse perspectives and can influence their political attitudes. These
groups provide opportunities for political discussion, activism, and
engagement in civic life.

Additional Agents:
1. Government and Political Leaders: The actions and rhetoric of
government officials and political leaders can directly influence public
opinion and shape citizens' trust in government institutions.
2. Social Movements and Interest Groups: Participation in social movements
and interest groups can raise awareness of specific issues, mobilize
individuals around shared concerns, and influence their political views.
3. Life Events: Personal experiences, such as economic hardship,
discrimination, or military service, can have a profound impact on
individuals' political beliefs and engagement.

The interplay of these agents creates a complex and dynamic process of

political socialization. The relative influence of each agent can vary depending
on individual factors, such as age, socio-economic background, and
personality.
Understanding the roles of these agents is crucial for promoting positive
political socialization that encourages informed, engaged, and responsible
citizenship.

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AS MEANS OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

Political participation refers to voluntary activities undertaken by the mass
public to influence public policy, either directly or by affecting the selection of
persons who make policies. Examples of these activities include voting in
elections, helping a political campaign, donating money to a candidate or
cause, contacting officials, petitioning, protesting, and working with other
people on issues.
Political participation isn't just an outcome of political socialization; it also
plays a significant role in shaping and reinforcing an individual's political
beliefs, values, and attitudes. It acts as a dynamic force, contributing to the
ongoing process of political learning and development.

Here's how political participation acts as a means of political socialization:

1. Active Learning and Knowledge Acquisition:

• Direct Experience: Participating in political activities, such as attending
 rallies, volunteering for campaigns, or contacting elected officials,
provides firsthand experience with the political process. This direct
engagement fosters a deeper understanding of how government
functions and how individuals can influence policy decisions.
• Exposure to Diverse Viewpoints: Political participation often involves
interacting with people from different backgrounds and with varying
political views. These interactions challenge existing beliefs, broaden
perspectives, and encourage critical thinking about complex issues.
• Developing Political Skills: Participation equips individuals with valuable
skills such as communication, negotiation, and collaboration, which are
essential for effective civic engagement and political advocacy.

2. Reinforcing and Reshaping Political Attitudes:

• Strengthening Beliefs: Engaging in activities aligned with one's political
values can reinforce existing beliefs and solidify commitment to specific
causes or parties.
• Confronting Challenges: Participating in political debates or encountering
opposing viewpoints can challenge individuals to re-evaluate their own
positions and consider alternative perspectives.
• Forming New Attitudes: Exposure to new information and experiences
through participation can lead to the formation of new political attitudes
or the modification of existing ones.

3. Building Political Efficacy and Trust:

• Empowerment: Successfully influencing policy or witnessing the impact
of collective action can enhance individuals' sense of political efficacy,
believing that their participation can make a difference.
• Building Trust: Positive experiences with political participation can foster
trust in government institutions and the democratic process.
• Strengthening Social Capital: Collaboration with others on shared political
goals builds social capital and strengthens community ties, fostering a
sense of belonging and collective responsibility.

4. Shaping Future Political Participation:

• Developing Habits of Engagement: Early participation in political
activities, such as student government or volunteering, can cultivate
lifelong habits of civic engagement.
• Inspiring Future Generations: Individuals who are actively involved in
politics can serve as role models for younger generations, inspiring them
to become active and engaged citizens.

Overall, political participation creates a cyclical process that both reflects

and reinforces political socialization. By actively engaging in the political
process, individuals not only shape the political landscape but also shape their
own political identities and contribute to the ongoing development of a vibrant
and healthy democracy.
IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

Political socialization holds immense significance as it lays the foundation

for a functioning and thriving democracy. It shapes individuals into informed
and engaged citizens who actively participate in shaping their nation’s future.
Here's why political socialization matters:

1. Fostering Informed and Engaged Citizens:

• Develops Political Knowledge and Understanding: It equips citizens with
the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the
complex world of politics. This understanding allows for informed
decision-making and meaningful engagement with political issues.
• Promotes Political Participation: Individuals exposed to positive political
socialization are more likely to vote, engage in civic activities, and hold
their elected officials accountable. This active citizenry strengthens
democracy and ensures government responsiveness to the people's
needs.
• Encourages Tolerance and Respect: Exposure to diverse viewpoints
during socialization fosters tolerance and respect for differing opinions,
crucial for healthy political discourse and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

2. Shaping Political Systems and Institutions:

• Influences Political Culture: Shared values and beliefs instilled through
socialization contribute to a nation's political culture, shaping norms of
political behavior, expectations of government, and approaches to
conflict resolution.
• Impacts Public Policy: Citizen preferences and priorities shaped by
socialization influence the policy agenda and the types of policies
adopted by governments.
• Supports Stability and Legitimacy: A well-functioning democracy
requires citizens to trust and accept the legitimacy of its institutions.
Political socialization fosters this trust and helps maintain stability in the
face of changing circumstances.

3. Promoting Social Cohesion and National Identity:

• Builds Shared Values: Political socialization contributes to a sense of
shared identity and national unity by instilling common values, beliefs,
and a sense of belonging among citizens.
• Reduces Political Polarization: Exposure to diverse perspectives can help
bridge divides and promote understanding across political lines.
• Encourages Civic Engagement: A strong sense of civic duty motivates
individuals to contribute to their communities and work towards the
common good.

4. Adapting to Change:
• Facilitates Peaceful Transitions: Political socialization prepares citizens to
adapt to changing political circumstances, facilitating smooth transitions
of power and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• Promotes Democratic Values: In a world facing complex challenges,
socialization plays a vital role in transmitting democratic values to future
generations, ensuring the continued health and resilience of democratic
systems.
5. Maintains political culture from one generation to another.

The significance of political socialization lies in its ability to create informed,

engaged, and responsible citizens who actively participate in shaping their
political destinies. It empowers citizens with the kowledge, skills and values
necessary to participate meaningfully in the political process, contribute to
their communities and shape a better future for all.

Challenges and Concerns:

1. Media Bias and Misinformation: Exposure to biased or inaccurate
information can distort political perceptions and hinder informed
decision-making.
2. Political Polarization: Echo chambers and social media algorithms can
reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives.
3. Decline in Civic Education: Reduced emphasis on civics education in
schools can lead to lower levels of political knowledge and engagement
among younger generations.

CONCLUSION
Political socialization is a continuous and dynamic process that shapes the
political landscape of a nation. By understanding its mechanisms and
influencing factors, we can work towards fostering informed, engaged, and
responsible citizens who contribute to a healthy democracy.