Political socialization

Political socialization

the process involved in acquiring a sense of one’s political identity

Agents of socialization

• family

• schools

• peers

• media

• religion

• location

• political parties/groups

Family

the primary influence, shaping early political beliefs and values

Schools

Teach civic education, history, and political systems

Peers

influence through social interactions and discussions

Media

Shape perceptions through news and political commentary

Religion

influences political beliefs through religious beliefs and values

Location

views shaped by where one lives in the U.S.

Political Parties/Groups

shape views through affiliation and activism

Generational effects

the impact of historical events experienced by a generation upon their political views

• Ex: People who lived through the Great Depression vs. those who lived through the Vietnam War

Life Cycle Effects

The impact of a person’s age and stage of life on their political views

• Ex: Differences in political views between those who just graduated college and those who recently retired