Political Behavior and Culture

These flashcards cover key concepts related to political behavior and cultural theories discussed in the lecture.

Modernization Theory

The theory that economic development leads to predictable changes in society, improving security and fostering socio-cultural transformations.

Homogenization

The process by which different cultures become similar, often resulting in a uniform culture.

Xenophobia

Fear or prejudice against people from other countries or cultures, often intensifying under conditions of resource scarcity.

Tight vs. Loose Cultures

Tight cultures have strict norms and low tolerance for deviations, while loose cultures have weaker norms and greater tolerance for diversity.

Malthusian Growth Model

A model that describes how population growth is restrained by resource scarcity, leading to a 'Malthusian catastrophe' where population exceeds food production.

Postmaterialist Values

Values that prioritize self-expression, quality of life, and individual autonomy over basic survival and economic security.

Collectivism

A cultural orientation that emphasizes group goals and interdependence among individuals.

Effective Democracy

A measure of how well democratic principles are functioning within a society, including participation, representation, and accountability.

WEIRD societies

An acronym referring to Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic societies that are often studied in social science for unique cultural traits.

Kinship Intensity Index

A measure of how strongly cultures emphasize kin relationships, often influencing social structure and obligations.