Public Opinion and Political Socialization - Chapter 5

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of citizens on

political issues, leaders, institutions, and policies

Stable Distribution

When public opinion stays consistent over time on

an issue, showing little change in people’s views

Skewed Distribution

When most public opinion leans heavily one way

on an issue, with few people on the opposite side

Bimodal Distribution

When public opinion is sharply divided into two

opposite positions, with few people in the middle

Normal Distribution

When public opinion forms a bell-shaped curve,

with most people holding moderate views and fewer at the extremes

Political Socialization

The process by which people develop their

political beliefs, values, and identities, influenced by family, schools, peers, media, and life experiences

Ethnicity

A social category based on shared culture, language,

ancestry, or heritage that can influence political identity and group interests in government and society

Issue Framing

How politicians, interest groups, or media present and

shape an issue to influence how the public understands and reacts to it

Socioeconomic Status

A person’s social and economic standing,

usually measured by income, education, and occupation, which strongly influences political participation and views

Self-interest Principle

The idea that people’s political opinions and

actions are influenced by what benefits them personally, such as taxes, jobs, or social programs