Political Participation Overview
Political Participation Overview
The lecture will focus on political participation beyond just voting.
Types of Political Participation:
Conventional Participation
Participation within the system that supports the political system.
Example: Voting.
Unconventional Participation
Participation that operates outside of the system aimed at influencing public policy, often challenging the system.
Example: Protests.
Examples of Unconventional Participation
Participants were asked to provide examples.
Types discussed:
Protests
Boycotts
Propaganda
Riots
Revolutions
Assassinations
Terrorism
Discussion on Acceptability
Where do we draw the line in acceptable political participation?
Violence is often the distinguishing factor in acceptability.
Societal perceptions of these actions vary.
Motivations For Unconventional Participation
People may engage in unconventional politics when:
The conventional methods fail to meet their needs.
They feel a sense of political efficacy, believing their actions can bring about change.
They have group consciousness, identifying with their cause.
Characteristics of Direct Political Action
Distrust of the System
A belief that the conventional system will not address their problems.
Political Efficacy
The belief that their participation can lead to change.
Group Consciousness
Identifying with and understanding the group's position in society along with shared goals.
Developing Group Consciousness
Identification with the Group: Recognizing a shared cause (e.g., Black Lives Matter).
Positioning in Society: Understanding societal views about the group and their challenges.
Example with the military draft and challenges faced by young men vs. voting rights.
Goals and Objectives: Sharing aims (e.g., police reform for BLM, ending the Vietnam War).
Conventional Participation Categories
1. Supportive Behaviors
Behaviors that demonstrate support for the political system.
Examples:
Voting
Displaying national flags
Reciting the pledge of allegiance
Standing for the national anthem
Cultural changes may influence perceptions (e.g., kneeling during the anthem as a form of protest).
2. Influencing Behaviors
Acting to influence policy and government decisions.
Types of Influencing Behaviors:
Deriving Benefits: Seeking personal benefits from the government.
Example: Legal actions against government entities for personal advantages.
Collective Benefits: Pursuing benefits for the community or environment.
Example: Clean Water Act enforcement.
Behavior Categories:
Low Initiative Behaviors: Minimal effort required.
Examples: Voting, signing petitions, allowing yard signs.
High Initiative Behaviors: Significant effort required.
Examples: Attending sessions at Capitol Hill, volunteering, running for office.
Voting Statistics and Trends
Voter turnout in the U.S. is typically lower than in other Western democracies, approximately 65% vs. around 80% in Europe.
Demographic Factors Influencing Voting:
Older citizens are more likely to vote.
Higher socio-economic status correlates with higher voting rates.
Education level affects voting likelihood.
Increasing Voter Turnout
Suggestions to Improve Turnout
Declare Election Day a national holiday.
Move voting to the weekend.
Allow mail-in voting and internet voting.
Simplify voter registration, possibly automatic registration when obtaining ID.
Challenges
Concerns over voter fraud, particularly at a systemic level, must be mitigated to facilitate increased voting methods.
The integrity of elections must be preserved for public confidence.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Encouragement to register to vote and participate in the electoral process.
A reminder to utilize options such as absentee ballots if necessary.
Class will resume on Tuesday; makeup tests scheduled afterward.