+

Political Culture
The widely shared beliefs, values, and
norms that citizens share about their
government
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Sources of Culture

 Historical roots Learning Objective 2:

 Revolution, taxation, Civil
War  

 Puritan heritage (Protestant

 Recognize the agents of
Work Ethic) political socialization and
explain the impact the
 Family agents have on shaping the
political views of
 Immigrant flavors individuals.

 Glorification of farmer,
pioneer
Characteristics

 Liberty

 Individualism/Rugged Individualism (as opposed to

collectivism/statism)

Learning Objective 2:

 Recognize the agents of political socialization and

explain the impact the agents have on shaping the
political views of individuals.
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Elements of American Political
Culture

 Liberty  Political tolerance

 Political & legal equality  Pragmatism
 Democratic  Civic duty
 Individual responsibility  Economic culture
 Limited Government  Religion culture
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Characteristics

 Equality
 Equality of opportunity more than results
 Political equality more than economic equality
 American Dream (reverence for property, capitalism, chance for wealth)
 FDR’s second Bill of Rights (1944) ensuring economic security
 False consciousness (as opposed to class consciousness associated
w/Europe)

Learning Objective 2:

 Recognize the agents of political socialization and

explain the impact the agents have on shaping the
political views of individuals.
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Characteristics (Cont’d)

 Democracy

 Civic Duty
 “Social Capital” creates a strong society: Social Networks

 Robert Putnam (Bowling Alone) advances argument that

number of bowlers has increased, but those participating
in leagues has declined, therefore he assumes that with
decline in social network, there is less likelihood of
people coming together, listening to one another,
exchanging ideas (creates smaller degree of civic duty)
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Civic Duty

 Key Club, Leadership, NHS, GO etc.

 Kiawanis,
Rotary, Odd Fellows, Elks, Optimists.
NAACP, Urban League, Junior League
 Scouts,Boys Club, Pop Warner, Little League,
Kids Soccer, etc.
 Friends of Trees, Habitat for Humanity
 LWV, PTA
 Boards, Councils, Commissions
 Political parties
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Characteristics (Cont’d)

 Distrust of Government - since 1960’s and

Watergate, Viet Nam (esp. low today due to
gridlock/partisanship)
 Political Efficacy - sense that one can both
understand and influence public policy
 Political Tolerance - more in the abstract than
concrete (Do we tolerate opposing viewpoints?)
 Pragmatism - Americans tend to be less ideological
 Justice - Belief in the rule of law. A “government of
laws, not men.”
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Economic Culture

 Free enterprise Learning Objective 2:

 But some market place
protection
 Equality of opportunity
 But not of results
 Economic mobility needed,
 But based on achievement;
(not provided by gov’t
assistance)
 
 Recognize the agents of
political socialization
and explain the impact
the agents have on
shaping the political
views of individuals.

 Economic individualism

 American Dream
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Culture Wars

 Urban-Rural-Suburban Split
 Individual
freedom vs.
Religious morality
 Political efficacy vs. anti-government

 “MiddleAmericans” & “Silent Majority”

(Referenced by Nixon during Viet Nam
era)
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Dilemma

 Conflictbetween liberty associated with

capitalism and equality associated with
democracy--federal action

 In
progressive era to bring corporations under
control (Reforms such as Pure Food and Drug
Act, Initiative and Referendum, etc.)
 In
1930’s to smooth out ill effects of capitalism
(unemployment, Social Security, etc.)
 In
1960’s with Great Society programs
(Medicare-Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc.)(LBJ)
How much do we know?

In  1996, the percent of people who could not name!
+
US & Europe: Work

 Hard work guarantees success

 US UK Germany Italy France

 63% 46% 38% 51% 46%

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US & Europe: Religion

 Prayer is an important part of my life

 US UK Germany Italy France

 64% 37% 44% 69% 32%

 I am a religious person

 US UK Germany Italy France

 76% 55% 54% 69% 48%

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Religious/Political Tolerance
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