POLCC 512 Notes
Politics and Society
POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
It is well said, ‘citizens are not born, but created’. From womb to the tomb, socialization
is the continuous process of learning irrespective of any divide-class, caste or gender.
The outcome of the process is varied as it is affected by variables viz. environment,
education and personality traits. The pre-dominance of any one variable creates a new
personality. Thus, each one is a product of ongoing socialization (learning process).
However, its impact also differs with the change in the nature of political system, say
that of authoritative as contrasted with democratic system.
Political socialization is a concept concerning the ‘study of the developmental
processes by which children and adolescents acquire political cognition, attitudes and
behaviours’. It refers to a learning process by which norms and behaviour acceptable to
a well running political system are transmitted from one generation to another. It is
through the performance of this function that individuals are inducted into the political
culture and their orientations towards political objects are formed.
POPULAR DEFINITIONS
● Rush and Althoff describe it as 'the process, by which an individual becomes
acquainted with the political system, and which determines his perception of
politics and his reactions to political phenomena. ’
● Easton and Dennis define it as 'those developing processes through which
persons acquire political orientations and pattern of behaviour.’
CHARACTERISTICS OF POLITICAL SOCIALISATION
1. Political socialization is the pinnacle of a society’s political values or culture.
, 2
2. The purpose of political socialization is to educate and enhance the members of
the society politically, to see them become effective members of the political
society, and to preserve the continuity of the political values of the society.
3. Early childhood is an important time for political socialization. But this is not
limited to a few years of childhood. Political socialization continues throughout
the life of the individual.
4. It occurs mainly in three ways – imitation, instruction, and motivation. Imitation
tendency is more prevalent in children, whereas adolescents and adults have a
combination of imitation, instruction, and motivation.
5. Through the process of political socialization, the increase in support, support for
the prevailing political system, the values in favor of conventional institutions,
and the legitimacy of the government are increased.
6. All persons belonging to a political society are subject to political socialization
and are effective throughout their lives.
STAGES OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
● Early Childhood
○ Basic awareness of authority and societal rules is developed.
○ Family plays a crucial role in forming initial political impressions.
● Late Childhood
○ Schools begin formal education on government and citizenship.
○ Peer interactions become more influential.
● Adolescence
○ Increased exposure to diverse viewpoints through media and education.
○ Development of personal political beliefs and ideologies.
● Young Adulthood
○ Higher education and early career experiences further shape political
views.
○ Active participation in political activities, such as voting, often begins.
● Adulthood
○ Life experiences, such as marriage and parenthood, can influence political
priorities.
Politics and Society
POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
It is well said, ‘citizens are not born, but created’. From womb to the tomb, socialization
is the continuous process of learning irrespective of any divide-class, caste or gender.
The outcome of the process is varied as it is affected by variables viz. environment,
education and personality traits. The pre-dominance of any one variable creates a new
personality. Thus, each one is a product of ongoing socialization (learning process).
However, its impact also differs with the change in the nature of political system, say
that of authoritative as contrasted with democratic system.
Political socialization is a concept concerning the ‘study of the developmental
processes by which children and adolescents acquire political cognition, attitudes and
behaviours’. It refers to a learning process by which norms and behaviour acceptable to
a well running political system are transmitted from one generation to another. It is
through the performance of this function that individuals are inducted into the political
culture and their orientations towards political objects are formed.
POPULAR DEFINITIONS
● Rush and Althoff describe it as 'the process, by which an individual becomes
acquainted with the political system, and which determines his perception of
politics and his reactions to political phenomena. ’
● Easton and Dennis define it as 'those developing processes through which
persons acquire political orientations and pattern of behaviour.’
CHARACTERISTICS OF POLITICAL SOCIALISATION
1. Political socialization is the pinnacle of a society’s political values or culture.
, 2
2. The purpose of political socialization is to educate and enhance the members of
the society politically, to see them become effective members of the political
society, and to preserve the continuity of the political values of the society.
3. Early childhood is an important time for political socialization. But this is not
limited to a few years of childhood. Political socialization continues throughout
the life of the individual.
4. It occurs mainly in three ways – imitation, instruction, and motivation. Imitation
tendency is more prevalent in children, whereas adolescents and adults have a
combination of imitation, instruction, and motivation.
5. Through the process of political socialization, the increase in support, support for
the prevailing political system, the values in favor of conventional institutions,
and the legitimacy of the government are increased.
6. All persons belonging to a political society are subject to political socialization
and are effective throughout their lives.
STAGES OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
● Early Childhood
○ Basic awareness of authority and societal rules is developed.
○ Family plays a crucial role in forming initial political impressions.
● Late Childhood
○ Schools begin formal education on government and citizenship.
○ Peer interactions become more influential.
● Adolescence
○ Increased exposure to diverse viewpoints through media and education.
○ Development of personal political beliefs and ideologies.
● Young Adulthood
○ Higher education and early career experiences further shape political
views.
○ Active participation in political activities, such as voting, often begins.
● Adulthood
○ Life experiences, such as marriage and parenthood, can influence political
priorities.
