Political Socialization Flashcards
Determinants: Family
Most important determinant.
Majority of people associate with their parents political parties.
The more politically active your family is the stronger you hold those beliefs.
Begins around age 10.
Political Socialization
The process of developing a political attitude
Determinants: Gender
From the 1920’s to the 1960’s women generally voted Republican.
Today most women vote Democrat because it supports the ideas of equality and abortion rights.
Republicans are more concerned with defense and foreign policy which attracts men.
Gender Gap
There is a clear distinction on the issues important to men and the issues important to women.
Women- childcare, the poor
Men- war, defense, taxes
Determinants: Marital Status
Singles are more likely to vote Democrat.
Married couples are more likely to vote Republican.
Determinants: Religion
Protestants are economically conservative.
Jews are liberal economically and socially.
Catholics are economically liberal and socially conservative.
Fundamentalist Christians are very conservative.
Churchgoers are more likely to vote Republican than those that don’t.
Determinants: Social Class
In the past the higher the social class the more conservative and thus likelier to be Republican.
Today, less clear due to correlation between college and liberalism.
Blue collar: Democrat
Businessman: Republican
Determinants: Education
The higher the education the more likely to be conservative.
College creates more liberal attitudes both socially and economically.
Determinants: Race
Black Americans- Democrats
Hispanic Americans- Democrats
Asian Americans- more conservative
Determinants: Geography
Coast- more liberal
Rust belt (Great Lakes)- Democrats
Since 1950’s Southerners are becoming more conservative.
Determinants: Age
Voters under 30- Democrats
