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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes Marx’s first theory of political culture?

Culture is universally applicable across all socioeconomic classes.

Members of a class share experiences that shape their consciousness. (correct)

Political culture changes over time with technological advancements.

Culture is determined by the ruling class's ideologies.

What role does ideology play in Marxism according to the provided content?

To reconcile subordinate classes to their exploitation. (correct)

To harmonize economic interests with governmental policies.

To eliminate hierarchies in political opinion formation.

To promote alternative views that challenge the status quo.

How do modern Marxists perceive bourgeois hegemony in society?

It strictly enforces censorship on all other ideas.

It allows for ideological competition that is inherently unequal. (correct)

It exists without any competition from alternative perspectives.

It is absolute and silences all competing ideologies.

What did Herbert Marcuse mean by 'repressive tolerance' in the context of bourgeois ideology?

A guise of freedom that masks the dominance of capitalist ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

According to Antonio Gramsci, how is the class system upheld in society?

By a combination of economic power and bourgeois hegemony. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of political culture emphasizes active citizen participation in politics?

Participant political culture Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a characteristic of a subject political culture?

Limited capacity to influence government Signup and view all the answers

How did Almond and Verba describe the ideal political culture for democracy?

A mix of participant, subject, and parochial cultures Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not commonly understood as shaping political culture?

Individual personality traits Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the parochial political culture according to Almond and Verba?

Lack of sense of citizenship and local identity Signup and view all the answers

Which concept acknowledges both citizen participation and government effectiveness as important for democratic stability?

Civic culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of political culture in understanding political behavior?

It influences political attitudes and actions of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of political socialization in a society?

To transmit political culture and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a critical aspect of media in politics?

Influencing political culture and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Almond and Verba's view on political socialization emphasizes what key process?

The continuous teaching of political values Signup and view all the answers

Divisive political culture can negatively impact which of the following?

Public engagement in democratic processes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a unifying political culture?

Support for democratic processes despite differences Signup and view all the answers

Which agent of political socialization is often the first and most influential in an individual’s life?

Family Signup and view all the answers

In the context of media influence on politics, what is a significant challenge for democratic systems?

Manipulation of political information by partisan media Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about critical political culture is true?

It can apply standards of accountability to the political system Signup and view all the answers

What role does the media play in public opinion regarding politics?

It serves as a primary influence on political attitudes and thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Oakeshott's definition of conservatism in a political context?

It suggests a preference for continuity and established practices Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Culture and the Media

Political culture, for political scientists, refers to people's psychological orientation towards politics, encompassing their patterns of belief, symbols, and values concerning parties, government, and the constitution.
Political culture describes the level of participation members of a society have in political processes, including their attitudes towards the political regime and their view of the existing political system.
Understanding political culture offers insight into individual political behavior.
Political culture is influenced by political continuity, geography, social homogeneity/heterogeneity, and socio-economic structure.

Approaches to Political Culture

The civic culture approach, based on the work of Almond and Verba, aims to identify the political culture most conducive to democratic politics.
They identify three types of political culture: participant, subject, and parochial.
A participant culture is characterized by active citizen engagement in politics, viewing participation as desirable and effective.
A subject culture is marked by citizen passivity and the recognition of limited individual influence on government.
A parochial culture is defined by the absence of a sense of citizenship, with individuals identifying with their local communities rather than the nation.
Almond and Verba posit that democratic stability relies on a political culture that blends elements of activity and passivity.

Marxist Approach to Political Culture

Marx's first theory views culture as class-specific, meaning people sharing similar experiences and economic interests generally hold similar beliefs, values, and ideas.
Marx's second theory stresses the dominant ideology of the ruling class. Political culture is essentially bourgeois ideology, serving the interests of the ruling class.
The ruling class's ideology obscures contradictions within the capitalist system by convincing subordinate classes to accept their own exploitation. This propagated ideology has the power to reconcile subordinate classes with their exploitation.
Modern Marxists acknowledge that ruling ideas aren't the only intellectual/cultural considerations but emphasize a struggle to assert power and shape ideas, values, and beliefs within society.

Conservative Approach

Conservative thinkers maintain that political culture is rooted in tradition and traditional values passed down through generations.
They believe that these "traditional values" are essential for social cohesion and political stability.
Conservative politicians often call for the reinforcement or defense of these traditional values.
Examples might include Victorian values, which focus on family, charity, sexual propriety, and the authority of fathers.

Political Socialization

Political culture is transmitted through a continuous process of political socialization.
Political socialization involves teaching and passing on political behaviors and attitudes to members of society.
This process helps people adapt to the political systems they inhabit.
Political socialization is part of a broader socialization process.
Key agents of political socialization include family, schools, religious institutions, social groups, political parties, and the mass media.

Political Culture's Nature

Political culture can be unifying, divisive, or critical.
Divisive political culture is grounded in group identities like class, race, or gender, which can undermine societal unity.
Unifying/supportive/conducive culture doesn't require homogeneity but can be heterogeneous.
Critical political culture can be valuable, holding political systems accountable to standards of fairness.

Media and Politics

Media played significant impact from the rise of mass literacy and popular press onward.
Media impact has broadened due to social and technological change, especially electronic communication and digital media.
Media has changed how people learn about and react to politics and policies.
The relationship between the media and politics is often contentious—debates surround media bias.

Theories of Media

Pluralist approach: Media serves as a marketplace for diverse viewpoints, reflecting the balance of various forces within society and informing citizens.
Dominant-ideology approach: Media are tools of the ruling elite, promoting the elite's ideology and maintaining the status quo.
Elite-Values approach: Media reflect the values and perspectives of those primarily involved in running the organization. It notes the significant role played by influential figures.
Market model approach: Media serve the preferences of the public.

Impact of Media on Governance

Free press is a fundamental component of democratic governance.
Media can promote democracy by enabling public debate on political issues and acting as a watchdog on government.
However, bias and alignment with economic elites may threaten democracy.

Media's Influence on Leadership and Culture

The media's focus on the image, personality, and private conduct of political leaders often outweighs policy debates.
Media can create a culture of cynicism through reporting that emphasizes the negative.
Negative depictions can affect voter turnout and party membership.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc. decentralize political participation and facilitate communication.
Social media have been credited with facilitating progressive social movements and pro-democratic revolutions.
However, some critics argue that social media communities may not serve democracy as well as face-to-face interactions.