Political CultureThe widely shared beliefs, values, and norms that

citizens share about their government

CharacteristicsLiberty

(Freedom/Rights)

Individualism/Rugged Individualism

(as opposed to collectivism/statism)

Learning Objective 2: 

Recognize the agents of political socialization and explain the impact the agents have on shaping the political views of individuals.

CharacteristicsEquality

Equality of opportunity more than resultsPolitical equality more than economic equality

Free Enterprise: Capitalism/Free Markets; Competition Fosters Innovation

American Dream (reverance for property, capitalism, chance for wealth)

FDR’s second Bill of Rights (1944) ensuring economic security

False consciousness (as opposed to class consciousness associated w/Europe)

DilemmaConflict between liberty associated with

capitalism and equality associated with democracy– prompts federal action

In progressive era to bring corporations under control (Early 1900’s)

In 1930’s to smooth out ill effects of capitalism: New Deal

In 1960’s with Great Society programs (LBJ) to combat poverty

Characteristics (Cont’d)Democracy

Civic Duty (includes voting, jury duty, etc.) “Social Capital” creates a strong society: Social

Networks

Robert Putnam (Bowling Alone) advances argument that number of bowlers has increased, but those participating in leagues has declined, therefore he assumes that with decline in social network, there is less likelihood of people coming together, listening to one another, exchanging ideas (creates smaller degree of civic duty)

Civic Duty Key Club, Leadership, NHS, GO etc.

Kiawanis, Rotary, Odd Fellows, Elks, Optimists. NAACP, Urban League, Junior League

Scouts, Boys Club, Pop Warner, Little League, Kids Soccer, etc.

Friends of Trees, Habitat for Humanity

LWV, PTA

Boards, Councils, Commissions

Political parties

Characteristics (Cont’d)Patriotism/Optimism (However, distrust of governmen has increased since 1960’s and

Watergate, Viet Nam)

Justice/Rule of Law - Belief in the rule of law. A “government of laws, not men.”

Others:

Political Efficacy - sense that one can both understand and influence public policy

Political Tolerance - more in the abstract than concrete

Pragmatism - Americans tend to be less ideological