Political Socialisation

 

 Political Socialisation: Meaning and Agents

Meaning

According to Alan R. Ball: 'Political socialisation is the establishment and development of attitudes and beliefs about political systems.'

According to David Easton: 'Political Socialisation may be defined as those developmental processes through which persons acquire political orientation and pattern of behaviour.'

Political Socialisation is the process by which an individual gets to know about the political system, political conduct, political values and beliefs,

Characteristics of Political Socialisation

1. It is a process
2. Political Socialisation is Universal Process
3. Political Socialisation is a Continuous Process
4. Political Socialisation can be guided to a particular direction
5. Political Socialisation can be manifest or latent
6. The political socialisation is both, formal and informal
7. With the process of Political Socialisation, Political Culture passes on from one generation to another
8. Political Socialisation differs from State to State
9. Political Socialisation is internalisation of political beliefs and political values
10. It is a process which takes place in every society

Types of Political Socialisation

1. Manifest or Direct Political Socialisation
2. Hidden or Latent Political Socialisation
3. Primitive Political Socialisation
4. Modern Political Socialisation

Agents of Political Socialisation

1. Family
2. Society
3. Educational Institutions
4. Political Parties
5. Pressure Groups
6. Press
7. Radio and Television
8. Cinema
9. Activities of the Government
10. Peer Groups
11. Symbols
12. Speeches and the writings of the great national leaders
13. Personal experiences of the people
14. Day to day politics
15. Internet and E-Mail

Importance of Political Socialisation

1. It brings enlightenment among the People
2. It brings efficiency in the working of the Political System
3. Provides legitimacy to Political System
4. Helpful in the formation of the Political Culture
5. Provides knowledge about the Political Matters
6. Helpful in maintaining Political Culture
7. It prepares the people for political roles
8. Provides link between Political System and Social System
9. Provides stability to Political System 

After studying, the differences and the similarity, we may conclude the properly understanding the politics of the country. It helps us to understand the process of political socialisation, regional variations, evolution and modifications. This, in turn, helps us to analyse the difference and acknowledge them.