Political socialization is the process by which individuals learn and frequently internalizea political lens framing their perceptions of how power is arranged and how the world around them is (and should be) organized; those perceptions, in turn, shape and define individuals' definitions of who they are and how they should behave in the political and economic institutions in which they live. Political socialization also encompasses the way in which people acquire values and opinions that shape their political stance and ideology: it is a "study of the developmental processes by which people of all ages and adolescents acquire political cognition, attitudes, and behaviors." It refers to a learning process by which norms and behaviors 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..Schools, media, and the state have a major influence on this process. Most societies are split along one or more lines. Often these splits or cleavages become the society's fault lines along which political views form. Some of the more politically relevant social cleavages include social class, ethnic, religious, regional, and coinciding or cross-cutting. When studying countries, one should look at the mix of social classes, ethnic and racial groups, religions, and languages a country has. It is also important to consider how these cleavages are expressed in the political system, whether political elites come from one group or another, or if one group blocks other groups from participating in government. Make sure to read topics related to political socialization in your e-textbook.
Are you a Conservative? Liberal? Moderate? Why do you think you fit into a certain political typology? What are some factors in your life that have helped shape your political beliefs? Not sure where you fit in? Take the "Political Typology" quiz located in the Dig Deeper section at the end of this lesson.
Citizens, Society and the State Presentation
It is now time to watch the Citizens, Society, and the State presentation. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.
Social Cleavages Key Terms Activity
Choose each term below to learn more information about each item.
Social Class
Class awareness has declined in industrial countries. In less developed countries, class tensions appear between landless peasants and property owners.
Ethnic Cleavages
Based on different cultural identities, including religion and language.
Religious Cleavages
Often closely intertwined with ethnicity.
Regional Cleavages
Differing political values and attitudes characterize people living in different geographical areas.
Coinciding Cleavages
When every dispute aligns the same groups against each other.
Cross-cutting Cleavages
Divide society into many potential groups that may conflict on one issue but cooperate on another.