Download Recency Approach to Political Socialization

Handouts for Chapter 5
5.1
Definitions
Primacy Approach to Political Socialization
The primacy approach views childhood as the
most important period of political socialization:
the individual’s basic values reflect the
experiences of pre-adults years
Recency Approach to Political Socialization
The recency approach assumes that the closer in
time a learning experience is to relevant adult
opinions or decisions, the greater is its impact.
5.2 Definitions
Broad socialization⎯Socialization practices
that
emphasize
the
development
of
independence and free self-expression in the
individual.
Narrow socialization⎯practices prescribing
an ideology that identifies “right” and “wrong”
behaviors.
5.3 Definitions
Political cynicism⎯The belief that politicians and
public officials repeatedly violate prescriptive moral
standards in their behavior.
Political efficacy⎯The individual's belief that he or
she can effectively participate in politics and therefore
has some control over the action of political decisionmakers.
Scarcity hypothesis⎯The view that the developing
individual attaches greatest subjective value to those
objects that were in relatively short supply during
childhood and carries this attachment
adulthood.
throughout
5.4
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Stage 1. Preconventional level. Judgments about what is right and
what is wrong are based on fear of punishment. Example of
judgment: “It is absolutely appropriate to freeze the assets of this
country in our banks so long as no one can retaliate against us for
what we are doing.”
Stage 2. Preconventional level. Moral conduct produces satisfaction,
whereas immoral conduct results in unwanted consequences.
Example of judgment: “We have to help undocumented aliens to get
affordable health services; otherwise they will be responsible for
spreading diseases and we will all suffer because of our inaction.”
Stage 3. Conventional level. Any behavior is good if it is approved by
significant others. Example of judgment: “I will support airstrikes
against this country because the decision was made by the president
of the United States, our commander-in-chief.”
Stage 4. Conventional level. The existing laws determine what is
moral and immoral. Example of judgment: “It is ok to execute this
convicted felon because the laws of this state permit the death
penalty.”
Stage 5. Post-conventional level. Moral behavior is based on
interpretations of individual rights and underlying social
circumstances. Example of judgment: “We should recognize samesex marriages because it is not up to any government to tell people
whom they should and shouldn’t marry.”
Stage 6. Post-conventional level. Moral conduct is regulated by
universal ethical principles that may rise above government and laws.
Example of judgment: “There is no such category as illegal aliens.
We are all children of earth.”