POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION IN THE CONTEMPORARY GLOBE – Political socialization is a lifelong process by which people form their ideas about politics and access political values. The family educational system peer groups and the mass media all play a role. While family and school are cardinal in early life what our peers think and what we had in the newspaper and see on television have more influence on our political attitudes as adults. Political socialization is the study of the developmental processes by which people of all ages 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.
Political socialization can be defined as a process of socializing in a political system through information on political symbols institutions and procedures and internalizing the value system and ideology supporting the system. It is also a process of acquisition of political culture. This process works at individual as well as at community level through cultural transmission. It is one of the most important functions of the political system. It is also part of the general socialization which starts at the later life. concerning the study of the developmental processes Political socialization is a concept 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 individuals are inducted into the political culture.
Almond and Powell Political Socialization
According to Almond and Powell Political socialization is the process by which political cultures are maintained and changed. Easton and Dennis defined political socialization cal Those development process by which acquires political orientation and pattern of behavious Allan R. Ball defines Political socialization as establishment and development of beliefs about the political system. So we can say that political socialization is a process by which an individual gets knowledge about the political system political values and belief. Political socialization helps the individual to acquaint himself with political culture and also to change himself according to it. Characteristics of Political Socialization Political socialization is a process. familiar people with political orientation and pattern of behavior. It draws the development of attitude. Political socialization is universal process. Political socialization is a continuous process. Political socialization can be guided to a particular direction. Political socialization can be manifest or laden. Political socialization is both formal and informal.
With the process of political socialization political culture passes on from one generation to another Political socialization differ from state to state So at last we can say that political socialization is a learning process by which individuals are trained to become well functioning members of a political community.
Types of Political Socialization
- Direct or manifesto:
In this types includes political information values feelings and their extension. In it the political ideology is considered superior everywhere in family, in educational institutional institution and in society
2. Indirect or non-manifesto: It works in the following three modes
(i) Transference: In this type of indirect and non-marufest political socialization the values and thoughts of a person or persons are transferred to other person or persons
(ii) Apprenticeship: This includes learning of the habits and behavior favorable to political activities. (iii) Generalization: This process of the indirect or non-manifest political socialization works for generalization to reach from social values to political aims
3 Primitive Political socialization
Factors/Agents of Political
These agents of socialization all influence in one degree or another individuals political opinions family media friends teachers religion race gender age and geography. These factors and many others that people are introduced to as they are growing up will affect their political views throughout the rest of their lives. Most political opinion is formed during childhood. Many political ideas are passed down from parents to young adults through them expressing their beliefs The agents a child surrounds him/her with during childhood is critical to the child’s development of future voting behaviours. Some of these agents include:
1. Family: Glass recognizes family as a primary influence in the development of a child’s political orientation, mainly due to constant relationship between parents and child.
2. Schools: Most influential of all agents, after the family due to the child’s extended exposure to a variety of political beliefs such as friends and teachers both respected sources of information for students.
3. Peer group: It is a group of people approximately of the age sharing similar problems. Peer groups become increasingly important influence on political What attitude and behavior.
4. Mass Media: Becker argues that the media functions as a medium of political information to adolescents and young children.
5.Religion: Religious tradition can have a strong effect on someone political views. For example Protestants tend to be more conservative (in countries where Protestants are not great majority).
6. Political Parties: Scholars such as Campbell note that political parties have very little direct influence on a child due to a contrast of social factors such as age context power etc.
7. Employment experience: Political orientation is shaped through participation in unions, collective bargaining, demonstrations and other forms of decision making. Informal groups of employees exert influence on the attitude of their members towards political objects and events.
8. Symbols: Symbols are also play an effective role in political socialization. The observation of birth days or martyrdom days of national heroes inculcates a new spirit among the youths and they begin to work for the nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, political socialization serves as a pivotal process in shaping individuals’ political beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors throughout their lives. It encompasses a diverse array of influences, ranging from familial and educational to peer group dynamics, media exposure, and beyond. While foundational political values often originate within the family and educational systems during early life, the influence of peers, media, and societal factors becomes increasingly significant as individuals mature into adults.
Defined as the acquisition and internalization of political values, norms, and ideologies, political socialization not only transmits knowledge about the political system but also fosters the development of attitudes conducive to a well-functioning political community. It is a continuous and universal process, operating through both formal institutions and informal interactions within society.
Various types of political socialization, including direct and indirect manifestations, as well as primitive forms, illustrate the complexity of this phenomenon. Direct socialization involves explicit transmission of political information and values, while indirect methods encompass processes like transference, apprenticeship, and generalization.
The agents of political socialization, such as family, schools, peer groups, mass media, religion, and employment experiences, all play crucial roles in shaping individuals’ political orientations. These influences, encountered from childhood through adulthood, contribute to the formation of political views and behaviors that endure over time.
In essence, political socialization serves as a dynamic mechanism through which individuals navigate their roles within the broader political landscape. By understanding the multifaceted nature of this process and the myriad influences at play, we gain insight into how individuals become active and informed participants in their respective political communities, thus perpetuating and potentially reshaping political cultures across generations.