Lecture 14. Public Opinion and Political Socialization

Introduction to Chapter Goals

  • Starts with a focus on material relevant for exam two.

  • Emphasizes the importance of understanding public opinion and its significance in democracy.

  • Divided materials into two segments:

    • Socialization

    • Understanding and reading graphs/polling mechanics.

Public Opinion

  • Definition: A collection of popular views about a person, local or national issue, or new idea.

    • Key Aspects:

    • It is important to note that public opinion is a collection; it does not mean every individual in a group shares the same opinion.

    • Example: In recent elections, it was noted that African American women voted approximately 95% Democratic, but this does not indicate that all African American women voted for the Democratic Party.

  • Public opinion can cover various topics:

    • Political views (e.g., approval ratings of politicians)

    • Social issues (e.g., public perception of policy proposals)

    • Non-political matters (e.g., sports voting)

Importance of Public Opinion

  • David Mayhew's Theory:

    • Main Idea: Elected officials in Congress are "single-minded seekers of reelection." Their actions are primarily motivated by the desire to be reelected.

    • Implication: Understanding congress requires understanding this motivation; it leads Congress to act in ways that reflect the will of the voters.

  • Critique of popular perceptions:

    • The desire for reelection should not be viewed negatively; it ensures that politicians consider public preference in their decisions.

    • Public opinion helps politicians gauge citizen desires.

  • Issues with civic engagement and public opinion:

    • Higher socioeconomic individuals tend to engage more, potentially skewing the understanding of public opinion.

    • Quotations from political scientist Schatz and Schneider underscore this disparity in representation.

Sources of Political Opinions

  • Distinction between beliefs and attitudes:

    • Beliefs: Closely held ideas that shape our values and expectations.

    • Attitudes: Preferences based on values and experiences that manifest in real-world actions.

  • Example: The controversy involving the Boy Scouts and a gay scoutmaster reveals the difference between the shared belief in freedom of expression and the varying attitudes towards its application.

Understanding Norms in Society

  • Definition of Norms: General consensus on expected behaviors in society.

    • Example: After a tornado, there is a norm for government to provide disaster relief, illustrating an ethical expectation regardless of personal contributions to the disaster.

  • Significance: Norms guide public policy and reflect collective beliefs about societal responsibilities.

Political Socialization

  • Definition: The process by which individuals are trained to understand and engage in a country's political environment.

    • It encompasses the development of beliefs and attitudes and begins at a very young age.

    • Emphasizes that socialization is not brainwashing but rather a natural part of learning to function in society.

  • Example from classroom behavior: Students often learn expectations (e.g., bringing supplies) through socialization rather than direct instruction.

Conclusion and Transition to Next Lecture

  • Introduced the concept of political socialization but indicated that the next lecture will cover various influences on this process.

  • Encouraged students to reflect on the material and prepare for a more detailed discussion in the upcoming lecture.