Unit 3: Political Culture and Participation

Civil Society

Refers to the space between the state and the individual, where citizens come together to form groups and organizations to pursue common interests and goals.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

These are non-governmental, non-profit organizations that operate independently from the government and the private sector.

Advocacy groups

These organizations work towards influencing public policy and decision-making processes.

Community-based organizations

These organizations work at the grassroots level to address local issues and improve the quality of life of the community.

Professional associations

These organizations represent professionals in a particular field and work towards promoting their interests.

Faith-based organizations

These organizations are formed around a particular religious belief and work towards promoting social and economic development.

Political culture

Refers to the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors that shape the political life of a society.

Parochial political culture

It is characterized by a lack of interest and involvement in politics. People in these cultures tend to be focused on their own personal lives and do not see politics as relevant to their daily lives.

Subject political culture

It is characterized by a passive acceptance of the political system. People in these cultures may not be actively involved in politics, but they accept the legitimacy of the government and its authority.

Participant political culture

It is characterized by active involvement in politics. People in these cultures are engaged in the political process and believe that they can make a difference through their participation.

Political socialization

Refers to the process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and attitudes. It is a lifelong process that begins in childhood and continues throughout one's life.

Political ideologies

These are sets of beliefs and values that shape the way people think about politics, society, and the role of government.

Liberalism

This ideology emphasizes individual freedom, equality, and the protection of civil liberties. It advocates for a limited government that protects individual rights and promotes economic growth through free markets.

Conservatism

This ideology emphasizes tradition, order, and stability. It advocates for a strong government that protects traditional values and promotes economic growth through free markets.

Socialism

This ideology emphasizes social equality and the redistribution of wealth. It advocates for a strong government that controls the means of production and promotes social welfare.

Communism

This ideology emphasizes the elimination of private property and the establishment of a classless society. It advocates for a strong government that controls all aspects of society and the economy.

Fascism

This ideology emphasizes nationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual rights. It advocates for a strong government that controls all aspects of society and promotes the interests of the nation.

Political beliefs and values

refer to the ideas and principles that individuals hold about the role of government, the distribution of power, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Political participation

Refers to the various ways in which citizens engage in the political process. It is a fundamental aspect of democracy and plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of a country.

Civil rights

These are the rights that are guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Civil liberties

These are the individual freedoms that are protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Political cleavages

These are the divisions that exist within a political system. These divisions can be based on various factors such as ideology, political parties, and interest groups.

Left-Right divide

This is a political cleavage based on ideology. It is associated with progressive and liberal ideas, while the right is associated with conservative and traditional ideas.

Nationalism-Internationalism divide

This is a political cleavage based on the idea of the nation-state. They believe in the importance of the nation-state, while internationalists believe in the importance of global cooperation and integration.

Urban-Rural divide

This is a political cleavage based on the differences between urban and rural areas. Urban areas are associated with progressive and liberal ideas, while rural areas are associated with conservative and traditional ideas.

Social cleavages

These are the divisions that exist within a society. These divisions can be based on various factors such as religion, ethnicity, language, class, and gender.

Ethnic and racial divide

This is a social cleavage based on ethnicity and race. It can lead to discrimination and inequality in a society.

Gender divide

This is a social cleavage based on gender. It can lead to discrimination and inequality in a society.

Class divide

This is a social cleavage based on economic class. It can lead to inequality and social unrest in a society.

Polarization

Political cleavages can lead to \___________, where individuals and groups become increasingly divided and entrenched in their positions.

Fragmentation

Political cleavages can also lead to \___________, where different groups within society become increasingly isolated from one another.

Extremism

Political cleavages can also create fertile ground for \___________, as individuals and groups become more willing to adopt extreme positions and tactics in order to advance their interests.

Discrimination

Social cleavages can lead to \___________, where individuals and groups are treated unfairly based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other factors.

Prejudice

Social cleavages can also lead to \___________, where individuals and groups develop negative attitudes and stereotypes towards others based on their identity.

Inequality

Social cleavages can also contribute to \___________, where individuals and groups have unequal access to resources, opportunities, and power.