Assignment

Analysing the inter-relationship

between political culture and political socialization
in the context of Bangladesh

Course Name: Qualitative Approaches to the Study of Politics

Course Code: PS 204

Submitted To
Dr. S. M. Ali Reza
Professor
Department of Political Science
Faculty of Social Science
University of Dhaka

Submitted By
Shantanu Das
Roll: 123
Section: B
Session: 2020-21 (3rd Semester)
Batch: 15th

Date of Submission: 07 May 2023

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Political culture
The approach of political culture seeks an explicit and systemic understanding of political
orientations and behavior.
Political culture is the innovation of the mid 1950's, started with an article of Gabriel
Almond. There was nothing called political culture in the study of political science until
1956. Political culture is psychological orientation of actors towards political system.
According to Gabriel Almond, political culture is an explicit and systematic understanding of
political orientation and behaviour.
Political culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors that shape the
political actions and institutions of a society. It encompasses the political norms and practices
that are widely accepted by a community or nation, and helps to determine how individuals
interact with the government and with each other in the political sphere.

There are several elements that make up political culture, including the beliefs about the
proper role of government, the relationship between citizens and the state, and the ways in
which power and authority are distributed and exercised. It also encompasses the attitudes
and behaviors that individuals have towards politics, such as their level of engagement and
participation in the political process, their willingness to accept the decisions of the
government, and their opinions on issues such as freedom, democracy, and social justice.

Political culture can vary widely between different countries and regions, and can be shaped
by a range of factors, including historical events, economic and social conditions, and cultural
traditions. It is an important concept in political science, as it helps to explain how political
institutions and systems are shaped and maintained over time, and how they interact with the
wider society.
Almond and Verba are two prominent names in the study of political culture. They mentioned
about 3 types of political orientations among the actors.

Cognitive orientation
Affective orientation
Evaluative orientation

These three types of political orientations among the actors creates three different types of
political cultures. Which are
● Parochial culture
● Subjective culture
● Participatory culture
*In a system where actors having cognitive orientation towards the political system and are
not interested in the political events and they are also not valued by the political
powerholders creates an environment of parochial political culture. We can take extreme
autocratic government as examples like North Korea, Afghanistan etc.

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*Subjective culture is an upgrade from the previous one and actors of this system are a bit
aware of their political rights but the participation in political events are very low and they
ultimately cannot influence the policy making very much.
*The best version is the participatory or ideal political culture that grows in an environment
where actors practice evaluative orientation.They are aware of their rights and they
participate in political events and influence policymaking system.

Civic culture
Each of them has its own features that makes them different from each other.These types of
political cultures can be defined separately but can't be seen individually in any poltical
system. Each culture can be seen in almost every political system either less or a lot.But the
ideal version of political culture is known as 'civic culture' according to Almond and Verba.
Civic culture is a blended version of all three political cultures in an advanced level but it
must be very participatory. Participatory political culture is the closest to Civic culture. We
can take UK,USA,Scandinavian countries as examples but not Japan, though it has a pure
democracy but the low participation rate of the citizens in the state's political system
separates it from other states which are practicing civic culture.

Political socialization

Political socialization refers to the process by which individuals acquire their political
attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. It is the lifelong learning process that shapes an
individual's political identity and understanding of the political world around them.Political
socialisation is a continuous learning process through political training and education.Plato
had first talked about it in his famous book 'The Republic'. But the term got popular after
releasing the book 'Political Socialization' by Herbert Hyman in 1959.

Political socialization can occur through various channels such as family, education, peer
groups, media, and government. Parents, for example, can influence their children's political
socialization by transmitting their own political beliefs and values. Schools can also play a
crucial role in political socialization by providing formal education on civics, government,
and democracy. Peer groups and media can also have significant influence on individuals'
political views and behaviors.

Political socialization is a continuous process that takes place throughout an individual's life.
It can be influenced by various factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, race,
ethnicity, religion, and political events.

Understanding political socialization is important for understanding the development of

political attitudes and behaviors in individuals and societies, and for analyzing the impact of
different agents and factors on political socialization.

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There are several agents of political socialization that can influence a person's political
outlook. Here are some of the most important agents:

Family: Family members, particularly parents, are often the primary source of political
socialization for children. They can pass on their own political beliefs and values to their
children through discussion, example, and exposure to political events.

Education: Schools and other educational institutions can also play an important role in
political socialization. They can teach students about government and politics, expose them to
different political perspectives, and encourage civic engagement.

Peers: Friends, classmates, and colleagues can also influence a person's political attitudes and
behavior. They can expose individuals to different political viewpoints and encourage
political participation.

Mass media: The media, including news outlets, television programs, and social media
platforms, can shape people's political views by providing information and shaping public
opinion.

Religion: Religious institutions can influence political attitudes and behavior through their
teachings and values, and by encouraging political participation among their members.

Overall, political socialization is a complex process that involves multiple agents and
influences. The relative importance of each agent can vary depending on a person's
background, experiences, and individual characteristics.

Political culture of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia with a rich history and cultural heritage. It gained
independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a nine-month-long war, which was a turning point
in the country's political history. Since then, Bangladesh has undergone significant political
and social changes, which have shaped its political culture.

The political culture of Bangladesh is deeply influenced by its cultural and religious heritage.
The country is predominantly Muslim, and Islamic values and traditions play a significant
role in its politics. However, Bangladesh is also a multicultural country, and other religions
such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are also practiced.

Respect for authority: One of the key values in Bangladesh's political culture is respect for
authority. This is evident in the deference given to political leaders and elders in society. In
many cases, political leaders are treated as quasi-religious figures, and their authority is rarely
questioned.

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Importance of family and community: Another value that is deeply ingrained in the
political culture of Bangladesh is the importance of family and community. Social
relationships are highly valued in Bangladeshi society, and political leaders often use these
relationships to gain support and mobilize voters.

Influence of post-independence history:A significant event in Bangladesh's political

history was the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first
president, and the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
was assassinated along with most of his family members in 1975, in a military coup led by
Major General Ziaur Rahman. With that, the roots of democracy in Bangladesh was
destroyed and Bangladesh saw a long time of military dictatorship again after getting
independence from Pakistan which ended with the fall of Hussain Mohammad Ershad in
1990.

Religious extremism : In recent years, Bangladesh has also witnessed a rise in Islamist
extremism, which has led to several terrorist attacks in the country. One of the most
significant terrorist attacks in the country's history took place in 2016, when a group of
Islamist extremists attacked an upscale café in Dhaka, killing 22 people, including foreigners.

Importance of Democracy: Moreover, the country's political culture is also shaped by the
importance of democracy and free and fair elections. In the past, Bangladesh has experienced
periods of military rule and political repression. However, since the 1990s, the country has
held regular elections, and several political parties have emerged.The two dominant political
parties in the country are the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The
Awami League is a center-left party that advocates for secularism, democracy, and social
justice. On the other hand, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is a center-right party that
advocates for Islamic conservatism and nationalism.

Electoral political violence and corruption: The political culture of Bangladesh is also
marked by corruption and political violence. Corruption is rampant in the country, and it
affects all levels of society. Political violence is also a significant issue in Bangladesh, and it
often takes the form of street protests and clashes between rival political parties. One of the
most recent examples of political violence in Bangladesh took place in the run-up to the 2018
national elections. The election was marked by widespread violence, with clashes between
supporters of rival political parties and attacks on opposition candidates. There were also
reports of intimidation and harassment of opposition supporters by ruling party activists.

Economic drawbacks: The political culture of Bangladesh is also influenced by the

country's economic challenges. Despite significant progress in recent years, Bangladesh
remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with high levels of poverty and inequality.
Economic
issues such as unemployment, inflation, and corruption often become politicized and are used
as campaign issues by political parties.

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In conclusion, the political culture of Bangladesh is complex and multifaceted. It is shaped by
the country's cultural and religious heritage, as well as its political history and economic
challenges. From the analysis we can say that there is a large influence of subjective political
culture in Bangladesh. Though there is also some mixture of parochial political culture from
the people of very low economic background and participatory political culture from the
politically aware elite class but both of their percentage is very little .

Political socialization in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a number of factors have influenced the political socialization of its citizens,
including historical events, cultural traditions, socioeconomic status, and religion. In this
assignment, we will explore some of the key factors that have shaped the political
socialization of Bangladesh.

Influence of family: Family is the first and most important social institution in Bangladesh,
where individuals learn their initial political attitudes and values. Children often develop their
political beliefs and preferences based on their family's political ideology, values, and
traditions. For instance, in Bangladesh, families that support the Awami League or the
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) may influence their children to support these parties.

Impact of educational institutions: Educational institutions also contribute significantly to

the political socialization of individuals in Bangladesh. Schools, colleges, and universities are
places where young people interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, learn about
democracy, citizenship, and participate in student politics. For example, the student wing of
the Awami League, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, has a strong presence in most
educational institutions in Bangladesh. The same is true for the student wing of the BNP,
Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal.

Significance of Historical events: Historical events have played a significant role in shaping
the political socialization of Bangladesh. The country was formed in 1971 following a war
for independence against Pakistan. This struggle for independence is a defining moment in
the nation's history, and has contributed to the development of a strong sense of patriotism
among its citizens. The war and its aftermath also led to the establishment of a secular and
democratic constitution, which has had a significant impact on the country's political culture.

Influence of culture: The cultural traditions of Bangladesh have also influenced political
socialization. The country has a rich history of literature, music, and art, which have helped
to shape its cultural identity. The influence of Bengali culture is particularly strong, with the
Bengali language serving as the national language of Bangladesh. This cultural heritage has
helped to foster a sense of community and shared values among Bangladeshis.

Socioeconomic status: Socioeconomic status has also played a role in shaping the political
socialization of Bangladesh. It's economic prosperity can't hide the large percentage of its
population living in poverty. Economic inequality and social injustice have contributed to

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political movements. For example, the Awami League, the current ruling party, has a history
of advocating for social justice and economic development for the disadvantaged. Similarly,
the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has also sought to address economic inequality and poverty
in the country.

Impact of Religion: Religion is another important factor that has influenced political
socialization in Bangladesh. The majority of Bangladeshis are Muslim, and Islam has a
strong influence on the country's politics and society. Islamic parties and ideologies have
played a role in shaping the political landscape of Bangladesh, and the country's constitution
recognizes Islam as the state religion. However, there is also a strong tradition of secularism
in Bangladesh, and many people believe in a separation of religion and state.

Charisma of political leaders: The actions of political leaders have also influenced the
political socialization of Bangladesh. The country has had a number of influential leaders,
some of whom have inspired loyalty and devotion among their followers. For example,
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of the Awami League and the first president of
Bangladesh, is considered a national hero for his role in the struggle for independence.
Similarly, the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has a strong following among her
supporters.

However, political leaders have also been accused of corruption and human rights abuses, and
their actions are also mostly questionable. For example, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led
by Khaleda Zia, has been accused of corruption and authoritarianism during its time in power.
Similarly, the current government has been criticized for cracking down on dissent and
limiting freedom of expression.

Social Media: In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful force in the political
socialization of Bangladesh. The widespread use of social media platforms, such as Facebook
and Twitter, has allowed people to express their political opinions and engage in political
discussions in ways that were not possible before. Social media has also been used to
organize political protests and mobilize support for political causes.

For example, in 2018, student-led protests calling for safer roads and better governance
spread across the country. The protests were largely organized through social media, and
thousands of young people took to the streets to demand change. The protests were seen as a
reflection of the growing frustration with corruption and political disfunction in Bangladesh.

Inter-relationship between political socialization and culture in

Bangladesh
Political socialization and political culture are closely related and have a significant impact
on shaping political attitudes and behaviors in a society. Bangladesh, as a young democracy,
has experienced unique political socialization processes and developed a distinct political
culture.

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The political socialization process in Bangladesh is influenced by various factors such as
family, education, and the media. Children often develop political beliefs and attitudes based
on their parents' beliefs and attitudes towards politics. In addition, the education system in
Bangladesh provides formal instruction on political systems, ideologies, and values. Mass
media, including newspapers, television, and social media, also play a significant role in
shaping political beliefs and opinions.

The political culture of Bangladesh is a mix of democratic and authoritarian values. Despite
the establishment of democratic values, authoritarianism continues to be prevalent, and
corruption is rampant. Political patronage and clientelism are deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi
politics, and these factors have undermined the growth of democratic practices.

The interrelationship between political socialization and political culture is evident in the way
political attitudes and behaviors are transmitted from one generation to the next. The political
socialization process shapes individuals' political attitudes and values, which contribute to the
development of the political culture. Conversely, the political culture also shapes individuals'
political attitudes and behaviors, which are passed on to future generations through the
political socialization process.

For example, Bangladesh's political culture has been characterized by political patronage,
where political leaders reward their supporters with government positions or other benefits.
This practice is widely accepted and has become an integral part of the political culture. This
culture, in turn, shapes the political attitudes and behaviors of individuals, who seek to
benefit from political patronage, perpetuating the cycle of corruption and clientelism.

In conclusion, the interrelationship between political socialization and political culture is a

crucial aspect of understanding politics in Bangladesh. The political socialization process
shapes the attitudes and values of individuals, which contribute to the development of the
political culture. In turn, the political culture shapes individuals' political attitudes and
behaviors, which are passed on to future generations. It is essential to promote democratic
values and practices and address the challenges posed by corruption and clientelism to
strengthen Bangladesh's democracy.But the country has also seen great progress in recent
years because of economic prosperity, efficient policymaking and better governance than ever
before.