Political Participation and Economic Structures

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to political participation, economic models, and the relationship between civil society and democracy.

What is political culture?

Collective attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions that govern political behavior.

What are some examples of political culture?

Civic duty, protesting, sharing political views, lobbying.

How does culture affect institutions?

Culture shapes institutions and vice versa, affecting the law and societal norms.

What is political socialization?

The process that informs individuals about acceptable political behavior and identity.

What is the relationship between civil society and democracy?

Civil society can either support democracy or undermine it, depending on the strength of political institutions.

What was a major hypothesis regarding democracy in Italy?

Democracy works better in the North due to historical and structural differences compared to the South.

What did the Weimar Republic's experience reveal about civil society?

It showed that civil society engagement alone is not sufficient for democracy; strong institutions are necessary.

According to Putnam, how does civil society affect democracy?

It promotes collective action and is beneficial to democracy.

What does Berman argue about civil society?

That it can undermine democracy if political institutions are weak.

What fundamental question is raised in the context of democratic government success?

How do institutional reforms change behavior and why are institutional performances different?

Define 'Varieties of Capitalism.'

The differences in how political economies operate across developed countries.

What are Liberal Market Economies (LMEs)?

Economies that rely on markets and competition, such as the US and UK.

What are Coordinated Market Economies (CMEs)?

Economies that emphasize cooperation and non-market relationships, such as Germany and Sweden.

What role did Keynesian economics play in the development of the welfare state?

Keynes argued for state intervention to stabilize the economy through fiscal policy.

What is neoliberalism?

Market-oriented reform policies that include deregulation, privatization, and reduced state influence.

What is decommodification in welfare states?

The degree to which individuals can maintain a socially acceptable standard of living independent of the market.

What are the three worlds of welfare states identified by Esping-Andersen?

Liberal, Corporatist, and Social Democratic models.

How do subsidies affect competition?

Subsidies can offset production costs and protect young industries from foreign competition.

What lesson was learned from the collapse of Saab during the global financial crisis?

Different responses to economic crises reveal the diversity of welfare state policies across Europe.