Question

Using TWO (2) agencies for each, compare primary and secondary political socialization. B. With reference to the TWO (2) agencies from A. above, state how these agencies are evident in the US’ political culture.

Answer 1

A. Primary and secondary political socialization are two types of political socialization. Primary political socialization refers to the process of learning political values, beliefs, and orientations during childhood and adolescence. Secondary political socialization refers to the process of learning political values, beliefs, and orientations during adulthood. The following are two agencies for each type of political socialization:

Primary Political Socialization:
1. Family
2. Educational institutions

Secondary Political Socialization:
1. Media
2. Peer groups

B. The agencies of political socialization are evident in the US' political culture. The following are how the agencies from A. above are evident in the US' political culture:

1. Family: The family is the primary agent of political socialization in the US. Parents pass on their political orientations to their children. In the US, families teach democratic and capitalist values, such as individualism, freedom, and equality.

2. Educational institutions: Educational institutions are another primary agent of political socialization in the US. Children learn about government and politics in their social studies classes. They also engage in classroom discussions and debates about current events and controversial issues. In the US, educational institutions teach democratic and capitalist values, such as civic duty, patriotism, and the importance of hard work.

3. Media: The media is a secondary agent of political socialization in the US. The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and political discourse. In the US, the media is often criticized for its bias and sensationalism, which can influence the public's perception of political issues.

4. Peer groups: Peer groups are another secondary agent of political socialization in the US. Peer groups can influence an individual's political values and beliefs through socialization and group identity. In the US, peer groups can reinforce democratic and capitalist values, such as individualism and freedom, or they can challenge these values through alternative political ideologies.

Answer 2

A. The two agencies that play a significant role in primary and secondary political socialization are family and education.

Family is the primary agency of political socialization, where children learn political values and beliefs from their parents. Parents pass on their political beliefs to their children through discussions, debates, and exposure to political events. Children learn about the importance of voting, political parties, and political participation through their parents.

Education is the secondary agency of political socialization, where students learn about politics and government through their academic curriculum. Students learn about the structure of government, the role of political parties, and the importance of civic engagement. Education also exposes students to different political ideologies and perspectives.

B. In the US political culture, family and education play a significant role in shaping political beliefs and values. Families in the US often have strong political affiliations, with parents passing on their beliefs to their children. Education in the US also plays a significant role in shaping political beliefs, with schools teaching about the importance of civic engagement and political participation. However, there is a growing concern that education is becoming more politicized, with schools teaching a particular political ideology rather than presenting multiple perspectives. This has led to a growing debate over the role of education in shaping political beliefs in the US.