Glossary
Civic Education
The process of teaching individuals about their rights, responsibilities, and the workings of their government and political system.
Example:
A high school course on American government that covers the Constitution and voting procedures is a form of civic education.
Family
Often the first and most influential agent of political socialization, shaping an individual's core political values through conversations, shared experiences, and traditions.
Example:
Growing up, if your parents always discussed current events at the dinner table, you might develop a strong interest in politics, demonstrating the influence of family.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness of the world through the exchange of ideas, goods, and people, which influences and is influenced by U.S. political culture.
Example:
The spread of democratic ideals from the U.S. to other nations, and the influence of global social movements on U.S. policy, are examples of globalization's impact.
Media
An agent of political socialization that provides access to a wide range of political views and information, shaping public opinion and potentially contributing to polarization.
Example:
Regularly watching a specific news channel can reinforce your existing political beliefs, illustrating the impact of the media on political attitudes.
Media Bias
The tendency of media outlets to present information in a way that favors a particular political viewpoint or ideology.
Example:
A news report that consistently uses negative language when describing one political party while using positive language for another demonstrates media bias.
Peers
Individuals of similar age and social status who influence political attitudes through discussions, shared experiences, and social pressure to conform.
Example:
If your close group of friends are all passionate about climate change, you might find yourself becoming more engaged in environmental activism due to the influence of your peers.
Political Polarization
The divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, often exacerbated by factors like media bias and social environments.
Example:
When people from different political parties find it increasingly difficult to agree on common solutions due to extreme ideological differences, it indicates political polarization.
Political Socialization
The lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political values, beliefs, attitudes, and ideologies.
Example:
A person's decision to volunteer for a political campaign in college is a result of their ongoing political socialization influenced by their family, school, and peers.
Schools
Agents of political socialization that provide civic education, expose students to diverse viewpoints, and offer opportunities for hands-on political experience.
Example:
Learning about the three branches of government in a civics class helps students understand the structure of democracy, showcasing the role of schools.
Social Environments
Broader contexts like civic organizations, religious groups, neighborhoods, and communities that expose individuals to different political views and norms.
Example:
Joining a local community garden initiative might expose you to new perspectives on urban planning and local governance, reflecting the influence of social environments.