Written by The participation of citizens of a state in the politics of the state is influenced by several factors known as determinants of political participation.
More appropriately, determinants of political participation are those factors and forces that can affect or influence people’s participation in politics.
Such factors are political exposure, political efficacy, education, income, gender, political interest, political culture, political parties, and religious beliefs.
1. Political exposure and socialization: The level of political exposure and socialization determines if a person will participate in politics or not.
Political exposure is the degree to which people are exposed to political ideas and information.
Political exposure can significantly affect political participation.
Individuals who are exposed to political information and ideas are likely to be aware of political issues and have a greater understanding of the political process.
As a result, they are likely to participate in politics.
So, individuals who have a greater knowledge of political issues are more likely to participate in the political process than individuals who do not.
2. Political efficacy: This refers to the conviction that one can affect political decisions and make a difference in society through political participation.
People who have high levels of political efficacy are more inclined to think that their involvement in politics can have an impact and, as a result, are more likely to get involved in politics.
On the other side, those with low levels of political efficacy might be less inclined to get involved in politics because they might think that their involvement won’t matter or that the political system doesn’t care about their needs and concerns.
3. Education: Individuals’ participation in politics has been proven to be correlated to their level of education.
People with higher levels of education are generally more likely to participate in politics than those with lower levels of education because they have been taught about the importance of government in schools.
Education generally increases an individual’s knowledge about politics and the political process, which can increase their desire to participate in politics.
4. Income: People with higher incomes are more likely to participate in politics, as they may have more resources and time to devote to political activities.
On the hand, lower-income individuals are less likely to participate in politics, as they have less money to spend on political activities.
To illustrate, an individual who wants to contest for a big post like the president must have a large number of financial resources, which, of course, many low-income earners don’t have.
So, this may discourage them from participating in politics.
5. Gender: Even though the gender gap in political participation has been narrowing recently, most people still believe that men are more likely than women to participate in politics.
For example, in most underdeveloped countries, it is very rare to see women hold top positions.
6. Political interest: A person’s level of political participation is directly influenced by their interest in politics.
When citizens largely show interest in politics, they will be willing to follow up on the news and developments in the politics of their country so that level of political participation increases.
On the other hand, political participation will be limited if citizens lack interest in politics.
7. Political culture: This is the way that people behave, think, and feel about politics.
Politics culture can vary widely from one society to another.
For example, some societies have a long history of a high level of political participation, corresponding with a high voter turnout.
In these societies, individuals would be more likely to participate in politics because they see it as an important way to make their voices heard and to effect changes in the governance of their state.
On the other hand, some societies may have a weaker tradition of political participation, with low voter turnout and a culture that is less supportive of political participation.
In these societies, individuals may be less likely to participate in politics because they do not see it as an effective way to make a difference or because they do not believe that their actions will influence the decision-making of the state.
8. Political parties: Political parties and other interest groups directly influence the political participation of members of a state.
Political parties often provide a structure for political participation by recruiting and organizing supporters, and by providing a platform for candidates to run for office.
They can also mobilize people for political participation by encouraging them to participate in campaigns and to vote on election day.
9. Religious beliefs: This is another important factor that affects political participation.
In some cases, religious beliefs may be a key factor in an individual’s motivations for participating in politics and their views on political issues.
For example, some individuals may see their religious beliefs as a guiding force in their political actions and may only participate in politics in order to promote policies that are consistent with their religious principles.
Similarly, religious organizations may encourage their members to participate in politics and support laws that uphold their shared values.
On the other hand, one’s religious convictions may also serve as a deterrent to political participation, particularly when one disagrees with the view of the political system or with the views of the major political parties
In such cases, individuals may be less likely to participate in politics or they may feel that their voices are not being heard.
Conclusion
To repeat, the nine factors that affect political participation are political exposure, political efficacy, education, income, gender, political interest, political culture, political parties and religious beliefs.
