Political Ideology and Socialization

Political Ideology

Ideology: a set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society.

Political Ideology: An individual’s or group’s set of beliefs about governmental or political structures and functions.

Pearson Education, Inc. © 2006

Pearson Education, Inc. © 2006

How Political Socialization and other Factors Influence Ideology Formation

Political Socialization The process through which an individual acquires

particular political orientations The learning process by which people acquire their

political beliefs and values

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Agents of Socialization

Family Mass Media School Peers

Family

Traced to communication and receptivity

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Mass Media

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School

Taught patriotism and respect Citizenship

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Peers

As family wanes in influence, peers influence increases, especially in middle-school and high-school

Pearson Education, Inc. © 2006

Pearson Education, Inc. © 2006

Social Groups Group effects – certain characteristics that allow persons to

be lumped into categories – also affect the development of political beliefs and opinions. Religion Age Race and Ethnicity Gender Region