Written by Political socialization is the process through which people develop political beliefs and opinions necessary to become proficient members of the state.
In other words, political socialization is the process by which individuals learn and internalize experiences and perceptions about their political world.
It is the process or means by which values, attitudes, and belief systems contained in the political culture of a state are passed down from one generation to another.
To quote Robert Sigel, “Political socialization is the gradual learning of the norms, attitudes and behavior acceptable to an on-going political system”.
Political socialization also refers to how people are inducted into the political culture of their society.
It is the process through which individuals try to fit into the political culture through the political learning process.
Political socialization also relates to how individuals acquire political knowledge, beliefs, values, and norms.
It is a continuous, lifelong action that starts in infancy and only comes to an end when a person passes away.
Political socialization includes all formal or informal learning which influences political behavior and actions.
Types of Political Socialization
Political socialization can be divided into two categories: direct socialization and indirect socialization.
1. Direct political socialization: This is also known as manifest political socialization.
Direct political socialization refers to the explicit transfer of political values, beliefs, and information from one generation to another.
It is the means by which individuals explicitly learn the pattern, ideology, and values of their political world.
2. Indirect political socialization: Also known as latent political socialization, Indirect political socialization is the tacit transmission of political values, beliefs, and information from one generation to another.
Functions of Political Socialization
1. Transfer of political culture: Political socialization aids in the transmission of political culture, values, and beliefs from one generation to another.
Through political socialization, new members of the society are taught politically relevant knowledge which is necessary to become proficient members of the state.
2. Ensures continuity: Political socialization ensures continuity in the political atmosphere and climate of a state.
Through political socialization, Political values can be transferred from one generation to another.
This ensures continuity because new members of the society get to know about the political ideology and belief system of their society that has been passed down to them.
3. Useful for creating political change: Political socialization can be a powerful tool for changing the cultural and political landscape.
Most political changes are typically the consequence of political socialization, which typically involves the persistent introduction of new political ideas.
For example, the government frequently encourages mass participation in elections by politically socializing people on the benefits of partaking in the electoral process.
4. National discipline: Political socialization is one of the most effective means of creating national discipline in the states.
New members, as well as old members, are discouraged from participating in some bad acts through political socialization.
Political socialization teaches the citizens the dos and don’ts of the state. Citizens are advised against disruptive or harmful behavior through political socialization.
