POLITICAL_SOCIALISATION.ppt 1 (1)

Political Socialisation Overview

  • Author: Kamesha Hoyte

  • Focus on Caribbean Politics and Society

Reflection on Crime in Barbados

  • Reflection Question: Has there been an increase in criminal activity in Barbados?

  • Consider personal views on the reasons and sources of information regarding this issue.

Objectives of the Study

  • Define key terms: socialisation, political socialisation, political culture, propaganda, spin, agenda setting.

  • Identify major types of political socialisation and differentiate between them.

  • Identify and explain the agents of socialisation.

Importance of Socialisation in Society

  • Every society has mechanisms to socialise its youth.

  • Socialisation inculcates values, attitudes, and beliefs necessary for institutional persistence.

Definition of Socialisation

  • Socialisation is the PROCESS through which individuals learn the general values, norms, and beliefs (CULTURE) of their society.

  • Acts as social conditioning for a functioning society.

Functions of Socialisation

  • Influences religious beliefs and economic values.

  • Affects interpersonal relationships across age and social hierarchies.

Processes of Socialisation

Types:

  • Primary: Less formal, unstructured; occurs early in life.

  • Secondary: More formal and structured; occurs later in life.

Political Socialisation

  • Defined as the PROCESS through which political cultures are formed and transmitted across generations.

  • Maintains and passes on political values, knowledge, and beliefs.

Political Socialisation Definition by Michael Rush

  • "The process by which individuals in a given society become acquainted with the political system, influencing their perceptions and reactions to politics."

Understanding Political Culture

  • Defined by Heywood (2002):

    • The pattern of orientations to political objects, including beliefs, symbols, and values associated with parties and government.

Generational Impact on Political Socialisation

  • Each generation learns to accept the values and beliefs of the previous one, adapting to existing systems and institutions.

  • Example: Barbadian vs. American political socialisation.

Types of Political Culture

  • Participant: Active citizen engagement and recognition of effective participation.

  • Subject: Passive citizens with limited government influence.

  • Parochial: Local identity without a national citizenship perspective; minimal interest in politics.

Factors Influencing Political Culture

  • Awareness of government (high or low).

  • Expectations of government (high or low).

  • Level of political participation (high or low).

Agents of Political Socialisation

  1. The Family

    • First and most influential agent.

    • Shapes political loyalties, attitudes towards government and figures, and ethnic/racial attitudes.

  2. The School/Educational Institutions

    • Transmits political consciousness; teaches national symbols and values.

    • Prepares students to be law-abiding citizens through lessons of discipline and respect.

  3. The Church/Religious Institutions

    • Acts as a moral authority, teaching societal values and defining sin versus virtue.

    • Influences moral and ethical standards within society.

  4. The Peer Group

    • Consists of individuals with close social ties; acts as a significant influence on attitudes and behaviors.

  5. The Mass Media

    • Functions include informing, educating, and entertaining.

    • Plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and political socialisation.

  6. The Government and Political Parties

    • Influences attitudes and shapes members' views in line with party values.

Importance of Political Socialisation

  • Transmits shared values ensuring societal homogeneity and continuity.

  • Maintains social order; can lead to systemic change.

  • Converts individuals into active citizens.

Insights from the Agents of Socialisation

  • Recognizes or rejects authority, compliance with laws, and moral senses.

  • Develops political identities and civic responsibilities, awareness of power relations, and class affiliation.