POS 363

POLITICAL CULTURE
Definitions of Political Culture
Let us look at political culture from the two words that make it up: ‘political’ and ‘culture’.
What is political concerns itself with politics, and culture simply refers to a total way of life
of a people in a particular community.
Tylor defined political culture as “the complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts
morals, laws, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of the
society”.
Lucian Pye defined political culture as “ the set of attitudes, believes and sentiments which
give order and meaning to a political process and which provides the underlying assumptions
and rules that govern behaviour in the political system. It encompasses both the political
ideals and the operating norms of a polity”.
Gabriel Almond and Sydney Verba also defined political culture as “the patterns of
individual political orientations, the attitudes towards the political system and its various
parts, and to the role of the self in the political system”.
In a simple sense therefore, the concept of political culture refers to the dominant political
way of life of a people in a particular political community. We can define political culture as
the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, orientations and behavioural patterns that people have towards
political institutions, events, and processes of the political system. The way citizens relate to
the state in terms of level of participation, political activities, and level of trust or mistrust of
the leadership are governed by political culture.
Thus, Political culture encompasses the attitudes, beliefs, values, and behavioural patterns
regarding politics and government within a society. It reflects the collective understanding of
how the political system operates and the role of citizens within it. Political culture provides a
framework for understanding why individuals engage in politics and how they perceive
governmental authority.
Importance: Political culture influences various aspects of political life, including citizen
participation, political stability, government legitimacy, and policy outcomes. By analyzing
political culture, scholars and policymakers can better understand the underlying factors
shaping political behaviour and public opinion.
Components of Political Culture: Cognitive, Affective, Evaluative
Cognitive Component:
The cognitive component of political culture refers to the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions
individuals hold about political systems, institutions, processes, and awareness of political
issues, activities, institutions, roles, rights, etc. It encompasses understanding political
structures, functions, and the roles of various actors within the political system.
Characteristics:
Political Knowledge: This involves factual information about government institutions,
political leaders, and public policies. It includes understanding the organization of
government, the separation of powers, and the functions of different branches.

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Political Beliefs: These are the general assumptions and attitudes individuals hold about
politics. Cognitive beliefs may include perceptions about the legitimacy of the political
system, the effectiveness of government institutions, and the importance of democratic
principles.
Political Awareness: This refers to individuals’ awareness of current political events, issues,
and debates. Cognitive awareness allows citizens to stay informed about political
developments and make informed decisions as voters and participants in the political process.
Importance: The cognitive component of political culture is essential for informed
citizenship and effective political participation. A well-informed citizenry is better equipped
to engage in democratic processes, hold government officials accountable, and contribute to
the functioning of a healthy democracy.
Affective Component:
The affective component of political culture involves the emotional and psychological
attachment individuals feel toward their political system, institutions, and leaders. It
encompasses feelings of loyalty, identification, and emotional connection to the political
community (emotions such as loyalty, indifference, hostility towards the political system).
When the affective orientation is positive and strong, the people tend to support the system
with material and symbolic resources. Eg. Paying taxes, singing the national anthem with
pride, obeying laws, respecting the leaders, etc.
Characteristics:
Political Identity: This refers to individuals’ sense of belonging to a political community or
nation. Affective political identity can be shaped by factors such as ethnicity, nationality,
ideology, and shared experiences.
Political Trust: Affective political trust reflects individuals’ confidence and faith in political
institutions and leaders. Trust is built on perceptions of honesty, integrity, and competence
within the government.
Political Loyalty: This involves individuals’ commitment and allegiance to their political
system and government. Affective political loyalty can manifest through support for political
parties, national symbols, and democratic principles.
Importance: The affective component of political culture plays a crucial role in fostering
social cohesion, stability, and legitimacy within a political system. Emotional attachments to
the political community contribute to social solidarity and collective action, enhancing the
functioning of democratic institutions.
Evaluative Component:
The evaluative component of political culture involves individuals’ opinion, judgments and
assessments of the performance, effectiveness, and fairness of their political system and
government. It encompasses perceptions of government responsiveness, accountability, and
the distribution of benefits and burdens.
Characteristics:
Political Efficacy: Evaluative political efficacy refers to individuals’ beliefs in their ability to
influence political outcomes and hold the government accountable. High levels of political
efficacy are associated with greater political engagement and participation.

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Political Satisfaction: This involves individuals’ overall satisfaction with the performance
and functioning of their political system. Evaluative political satisfaction reflects perceptions
of government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and preferences.
Political Legitimacy: Evaluative political legitimacy refers to the perceived moral and
normative basis of authority within the political system. Legitimate governments are those
seen as lawful, just, and deserving of obedience and support from citizens.
Importance: The evaluative component of political culture shapes citizens’ attitudes toward
government legitimacy, stability, and democratic values. Positive evaluations of the political
system contribute to social cohesion and political stability, while negative evaluations can
lead to disillusionment, discontent, and challenges to the legitimacy of governmental
authority.
Understanding these components of political culture provides insight into how individuals
perceive, engage with, and contribute to the political system. By analyzing the cognitive,
affective, and evaluative dimensions of political culture, scholars and policymakers can better
understand the dynamics of political behavior, public opinion, and democratic governance.

Forms of Political Culture

Almond and Verba’s Classification: Parochial, Subject and Participant
The earliest and most prominent attempt to categorize political culture was made by Gabriel
Almond and Sidney Verba (1963). They compared five democratic nations and surveyed
1,000 persons as samples in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and
Mexico, and they came out with three levels of political culture: Parochial, Subject and
Participant.
(a) Parochial Political Culture: Parochial political cultures are localized and focused on
community or regional issues rather than national politics. Citizens may have limited
awareness or interest in broader political matters, preferring to prioritize local concerns. In
this kind of culture, religious and ethnic considerations are often put beyond general interest,
and people participate in politics mainly because of them, not because of wider socio-
economic reasons. Where parochial political culture is dominant, citizens hardly make
demands from their governments either because of ignorance of what governance is all about,
or because they lack trust for the political leaders. Parochial political culture is found among
many poor and developing nations that are pre-disposed to contradictions such as ethnic
rivalry, indigene settler dichotomy, and primordial sentiments, or in rural or isolated
communities with strong social bonds and traditions.
(b) Subject Political Culture: Subject political cultures are characterized by citizens who are
passive and deferential to authority. Citizens may have low levels of political efficacy and
trust in government, leading to apathy and disengagement from political processes. Subject
political cultures are more common in authoritarian or repressive regimes where citizens lack
political freedoms and opportunities for meaningful participation. E.g. military, authoritarian
regimes
(c) Participant Political Culture: In participatory political cultures, citizens are actively
engaged in political life and demonstrate high levels of political participation. This includes
voting in elections, joining political organizations, participating in protests, and engaging in
community activism. Participatory political cultures are often associated with robust
democratic systems and citizen empowerment. Where participant political culture is
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dominant, people manifest attitudes of personal political competence and they participate in
active political process. Participatory political cultures are often associated with robust
democratic systems and citizen empowerment.
*There is a mixture of these forms of political culture in most countries.
Symbols of Political Culture
- The National Flag
- National Anthem
- Coat of arms
- National Holidays
The National Flag:
The national flag serves as a powerful symbol of a country’s identity, unity, and sovereignty.
It typically features colors, symbols, or emblems that hold historical, cultural, or ideological
significance. Citizens often display the flag during national celebrations, ceremonies, and
events to express patriotism and allegiance to their nation. The design and symbolism of the
flag can evoke emotions of pride, unity, and belonging among citizens, fostering a sense of
national identity and solidarity.
National Anthem:
The national anthem is a musical composition that embodies the values, history, and
aspirations of a nation. Its lyrics often celebrate key aspects of national identity, such as
freedom, unity, and resilience. The national anthem is performed on various occasions,
including state ceremonies, sporting events, and patriotic gatherings, serving as a unifying
symbol that evokes feelings of loyalty and pride among citizens. Singing or listening to the
national anthem can instill a sense of collective belonging and patriotism, reinforcing shared
cultural and political values. Linked to this is the National Pledge.
Coat of Arms:
The coat of arms is a heraldic design or emblem that symbolizes a country’s authority,
heritage, and values. It typically features iconic elements such as a shield, motto, crest,
supporters, and symbolic imagery that represent the nation’s history, traditions, and ideals.
The coat of arms may incorporate symbols of strength, justice, liberty, and national unity,
reflecting the country’s foundational principles and aspirations. It is often used on official
documents, government buildings, currency, and military insignia as a visual representation
of national identity and sovereignty.
National Holidays:
National holidays are designated days or events that commemorate significant historical,
cultural, or political milestones in a nation’s history. These holidays serve as opportunities for
citizens to celebrate shared values, honour national heroes, and reflect on the country’s
achievements and challenges. Examples of national holidays may include Independence Day,
Democracy Day, Constitution Day, Victory Day, and Martyrs’ Day, among others. National
holidays often involve public ceremonies, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural
performances, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of collective memory, identity,
and solidarity among citizens.
Symbols of political culture play a vital role in shaping collective identity, fostering national
unity, and reinforcing core values and beliefs within a society. They serve as tangible
representations of a nation’s history, heritage, and aspirations, evoking emotions of pride,
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loyalty, and belonging among citizens. By venerating and preserving these symbols, societies
reaffirm their cultural and political identity, perpetuating a sense of continuity and cohesion
across generations.

Factors Affecting Political Culture

(a) Historical Development – e.g., Colonialism:

Historical experiences, such as colonialism, profoundly influence a nation’s political culture

by shaping its institutions, social hierarchies, and collective memory. Colonialism often
imposed foreign governance structures, economic systems, and cultural norms on colonized
societies, leading to enduring legacies of exploitation, resistance, and identity formation.
Colonized peoples may develop attitudes of suspicion toward centralized authority, resilience
in the face of oppression, and aspirations for self-determination. Moreover, colonialism can
contribute to the diversification of political cultures within post-colonial states, as different
regions may have distinct experiences with colonial rule.

(b) Ethnic Differences – Heterogeneous/Homogeneous:

The ethnic composition of a society can significantly influence its political culture,
particularly in heterogeneous or multi-ethnic countries. Ethnic diversity may foster complex
intergroup dynamics, including competition for resources, identity politics, and social
fragmentation. In heterogeneous societies, political culture may be characterized by tensions
between different ethnic groups, varying levels of trust in government, and efforts to
accommodate diverse interests through power-sharing arrangements or federal structures. In
contrast, homogeneous societies may exhibit greater social cohesion, shared values, and a
stronger sense of national identity, which can shape political attitudes and behaviours.

(c) Socio-economic Structures – Level of Education, Location, etc.:

Socio-economic factors such as education, income, occupation, and urban-rural divide play a
significant role in shaping political culture. Higher levels of education are associated with
greater political awareness, civic engagement, and participation in democratic processes.
Conversely, socio-economic disparities may lead to inequalities in political participation and
access to political resources, reinforcing existing power dynamics and marginalizing certain
groups. Additionally, geographic location, urbanization, and access to infrastructure can
influence individuals’ exposure to political information, social networks, and opportunities
for political activism, shaping their political attitudes and behaviours.

(d) Mass Mobilization – Enlightenment through Mass Media, Political Parties, Civic
Education:

Mass mobilization efforts, including mass media, political parties, and civic education
initiatives, play a crucial role in shaping political culture by disseminating information,
shaping public discourse, and mobilizing citizens for collective action. Mass media, including
television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms, can influence public opinion, shape

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political narratives, and hold government officials accountable. Political parties serve as
vehicles for articulating ideological visions, organizing political competition, and mobilizing
supporters around shared policy agendas. Civic education programs aim to enhance citizens’
understanding of democratic principles, rights, and responsibilities, fostering a culture of
active citizenship, political participation, and democratic values.

(e) Political Stability – Stability/Participation:

The level of political stability within a society can influence its political culture by shaping
citizens’ perceptions of government legitimacy, trust in institutions, and willingness to
engage in political processes. Stable political systems characterized by peaceful transitions of
power, respect for the rule of law, and effective governance tend to foster confidence and
participation in political life. In contrast, political instability, such as political violence, civil
unrest, or authoritarian repression, can erode trust in government, inhibit political
participation, and foster cynicism and disillusionment among citizens. Additionally,
perceptions of political stability may vary depending on factors such as socio-economic
status, ethnicity, and geographic location, further shaping individuals’ political attitudes and
behaviours.

These factors interact in complex ways to shape the political culture of a society, influencing
citizens’ beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviours toward politics and government.
Understanding these factors is essential for analyzing political dynamics, predicting social
change, and promoting democratic governance.