POLITICAL CULTURE
Political culture is defined as the attitudes, sentiments, beliefs, ideas and norms
that guide the behaviour of the people in a political system.
COMPONENTS OF POLITICAL CULTURE
1. Evaluative orientation: This refers to the extent to which the people can
evaluate or critically assess the functioning of their political system.
2. Cognitive orientation: This concerns the belief and the knowledge that
people have with regard to the political system.
3. Affective orientation: This concerns the feelings of the people towards the
political system.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE POLITICAL CULTURE
1. Historical development: The historical experience of a people affects their
political attitudes and orientations. For example, various revolutions in
France in the 18th century influenced the country’s politics in the 19th and
20th centuries.
2. Socio-economic structure: Urban and industrialized societies have higher
educational standards, thus, people there participate in the decision making
process than in the rural societies which are rather conservative.
3. Different ethnicity: The belief system of each tribe has a major impact on
the people’s political culture, thus bringing about the differences of political
culture. For example, ethnic differences have for long affected political
attitudes in Nigeria.
4. Political instability: Constant instability in a political system brings about
disaffection by the populace; consequently it affects the political values and
attitudes in politics.
5. The impact of colonialism: European colonial legacy has tremendous
influence on new states in Africa, Latin America and Asia. To a large extent,
it determines their political culture. For example, Nigeria inherited its
federal structure and the political beliefs, values and attitudes from Britain.
POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
Political socialization is how people develop their political knowledge, attitudes,
beliefs, values, and opinions to become good citizens of their country. It refers to a
learning process by which norms and behaviors acceptable to a political system are
transmitted from one generation to another.
AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
1. Family:
Family is the first agent of socialization. The political orientation gotten by a child
in the family usually sticks with them for a long time.
2. Schools:
Spending numerous years in school, children usually offer subjects and experience
first-hand the political climate of their country as they also interact with other
children.
3. Media:
There is no doubt that the Mass media has a strong influence on our perception
about politics and political happenings in our country. Various media outlets,
through news coverage, late-night programs, and social media provide different
perspectives about politics that shape our political beliefs.
4. Religion:
Religious beliefs and practices play a role in political opinion formation and
political participation. Religious institutions such as churches and mosques shape
judgment regarding public policy, and ultimately, contribute to political
participation.
5. Political parties:
Political parties through their campaigns and rally, help to provide a form of
political education to the citizens.
6. The state:
The state is a key source of information for media outlets, and has the ability to
“inform, or misinform, the press and thus the public”, a strategy which may be
referred to as propaganda, in order to serve a political or economic agenda.
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Political participation refers to the active involvement of the citizens of a country
in the formulation and implementation of policies for their governance, and their
participation in the choice of their leaders. It is simply the active involvement of
citizens in the politics of their country.
Forms of Political Participation
The various forms of political participation include the following:
1. Active involvement in political campaigns
2. Taking up political appointments and holding political offices.
3. Analyzing and commenting on political issues.
4. Contesting and Voting during elections.
5. Playing active role and subscribing to membership of pressure groups.
6. Dissemination of political party propaganda, flyers, posters and handbills.
7. Supporting candidates during elections.
8. Taking active part in Protest/criticism and petitions.
9. Providing Financial and material assistance to political parties.
BENEFITS OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
1. Mass political participation helps to legitimize the government in power.
2. It helps to make government responsive, responsible and accountable to the
citizenry.
3. Participation in politics helps to create political awareness among the
electorate
4. Participation in politics offers some psychological satisfaction to those who
are interested in the leadership and administration of government.
