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4.2 Political Socialization
Explain how cultural factors influence political attitudes and
socialization.
Learning to think politically is a process known as political socialization. The transmission of
political culture and attitudes is best explained by looking at a number of attenuating factors.
According to most political scientists, demographics jumpstart our engagement in the political
process. Certain demographic characteristics have a profound influence on our political attitudes.
They are gender, age, religion, race, education, occupation, economic status and region.
Together, along with parental influences, we have a seemingly inherent political bent. These
political dispositions align to certain labels used in our democratic system to simplify and organize
the citizenry. Political scientists have traditionally used a political spectrum to simplify and provide
clarity to the consequences of our civic opinions.
The left side of the political spectrum is reserved for liberals. The Democratic Party represents
liberals in our government. Liberals tend to look forward. Rather then relying upon old ideas, they
favor policy experimentation. This attitude affects their values. They oppose government
intervention when it comes to private choices. For instance, liberals push the Democratic Party to
maintain a women’s right to choose an abortion. Liberals do, however, advocate government
intervention when it comes to the economy. Often liberal Democrats are characterized as “the tax
and spend” party. Democrats favor policies that redistribute wealth across the economic base. On
the left side of the political spectrum you find liberals who are supported by the Democratic Party.
The right side of the political spectrum is reserved for conservatives. The Republican Party
represents conservatives in our government. Conservatives tend to look back. They are fond of
the glory days of the past. Conservatives tend to hold traditional moral values. They approve of
government intervention when upholding these values. For instance, conservatives push the
Republican Party to advocate against abortion, drug use and sexual promiscuity. They do not,
however, welcome government interference in private business affairs. Conservatives speak
loudly about market forces and the free flow of capital. Republican policies support small business
and lower taxes. On the right side of the political spectrum you find conservatives who are
supported by the Republican Party.
Family, more than anything else, influences our politics. Yet political scientists point to certain
demographics that impact our political beliefs, values and norms. Here is what political science
tells us about the influence of these demographics:
Gender: Men tend to be more conservative and therefore supporters of the Republican Party.
Women, on the other hand, are more liberal and side with Democrats.
Age: The rule of thumb here is the older you are the more likely you are to be conservative.
Religion: Few demographic characteristics are as telling as this. Citizens who faithfully practice
their religion tend to be more conservative. Protestantism is the most conservative religion. Base
Republicans tend to be active Protestants. Often labeled “The Conservative Right,” these faithful
Republican voters are called evangelicals. Catholics, despite their conservative views on social
issues, lean left on the political spectrum. Slim majorities of Catholics still vote for the Democratic
Party. Jews historically have overwhelmingly supported liberal Democrats. The irreligious, those
with no religious affiliation, can be found on the left side of the spectrum with other Democrats.
