4.1 Political Culture

Political culture

An important tool in analyzing public opinion b/c we dig into people’s belief systems.

Belief system

Collection of views people hold regarding what they believe the political world and ought to be and what it should be like.

Political culture

Describes how culture effects politics. It’s what the people, the voters, the electorates believe and do based on their understanding of the political system.

Norms

What people view as acceptable behavior.

Example of a norm.

Mode of protest is how people act during protesting and the type of action (standing in front of a building with a sign or a large march across a city).

Why are disruptive not welcome in certain societies?

They violate cultural norms, and reduce the chances the gov. will address protestors grievances, however in some areas disruptive protests can evoke sympathy because citizens believe protestors’ actions are justified.

What’s an example of a disruptive protest?

in 2018, France experienced a protest against proposed increases in fuel taxes. The Yellow Vests movement staged acts of civil disobedience, mostly destructive and violent.

Example of values.

If one values a strong military, one is more likely to favor greater government spending on it. The death penalty can be one; most people value human life while there’s division to punish some criminals by executing them.

Political values

Values that exert an impact on political behavior.