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Session 1 - Political Participation. Key terms : Participation, non-participation, political socialisation, pressure group, apathy. Starter : List all the ways that an adult can participate in politics in Britain. Participation = actively taking part in the political process.
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Session 1 - Political Participation Key terms: Participation, non-participation, political socialisation, pressure group, apathy Starter: List all the ways that an adult can participate in politics in Britain. Participation = actively taking part in the political process L.O. You will be able to: Describe opportunities for participation in political life Analyse reasons for non-participation
There are lots of ways that people can participate in politics… • Voting in the General Election (voting for your MP/the government every 4/5 years) • Voting in local elections (for new councillors etc) • Contacting the local MP to ask questions etc • Joining a political party • Joining a pressure group • Joining other public bodies e.g. school governors etc • Running for MP/ councillor/ mayor • Expressing an opinion in the media • Attending local development meetings and expressing an opinion (e.g. Mrs Sudds attends meetings about the development of the Royal Arsenal estate – and definitely expresses an opinion!)
Quick think Why is it important to participate in politics? • To have a say in things that affect you • To make a difference • To hold politicians to account • So that political leaders are aware of your wants and needs • To make you feel included • So that people don’t feel they need to resort to riots/terrorism Quick think What do you think the term political socialisation means?
Socialisation = the process by which people learn their norms and values Political socialisation = the process by which people learn their political skills, beliefs and values An important distinction… In a Dictatorship, people are politically socialised to follow their leaders without questioning their authority as they don’t get a choice about who is in charge. In a Democracy, people are politically socialised to participate in politics so that the government can base its policies on the wants and needs of society. People can hold their government to account and vote in someone different if they don’t agree with them. Task (4 mins): Explain how political socialisation differs between a Dictatorship and a Democracy. (4 marks) (n.b remember to define the key term)
Statistics/Evidence In 2005… • 7% of adults presented their views to a local councillor or MP • 7% attended a political meeting • 3% took part in a political campaign • More people voted in Big Brother than the General Election! Why do so few people participate in politics?
Why do so few people participate in politics? • Lack of knowledge & understanding • Lack of interest / apathy • Time / money • Think won’t make a difference / will be ignored • Don’t agree with any political parties Apathy = Don’t care / not bothered e.g “The reason why people don’t vote is that they are apathetic” or “The reason why people don’t vote is due to voter apathy”
Task: (4 mins) Explain why political participation in Britain appears to be low. (4 marks) Stats/Evidence In 2005… • 7% of adults presented their views to a local councillor or MP • 7% attended a political meeting • 3% took part in a political campaign • More people voted in Big Brother than the General Election! Possible Explanations • Lack of knowledge & understanding • Lack of interest / apathy • Time / money • Think won’t make a difference / will be ignored • Don’t agree with any political parties Extension: Peer assess your partner’s answer and give a mark out of 4, one positive comment and one target
Session 2: Voting Trends L.O: You will be able to: • Describe and explain patterns of voting behaviour in recent years • Explain why some sections of society are less likely to participate than others Key terms: class alignment, class de-alignment Starter: When deciding which political party to vote for in the General Election, which 3 things do you think people would look for? • Responses could include… • Personal benefit • Image/reputation of the political leaders • Competence / trust-worthiness Task: Complete the worksheet in your books
Session 3: Government Responses L.O: You will be able to: • Discuss government responses to non-participation Starter: How can Citizenship lessons help to solve non-participation? A = If young people understand politics and know why it is important to vote, they are more likely to actually do so!
The government wants people to participate in politics because… • It is an important part of a democracy • They want to know society’s wants and needs so that they can create policies to please us – so that we vote for their party! • If people are unhappy, they are more likely to riot or resort to terrorism • We are more likely to follow rules if we agree with them or helped to make them • If only certain types of people vote or take part in politics, then only the views of these types of people will be heard e.g. Lower class, less educated people do not think that they can influence political decisions They don’t join political organisations Self-fulfilling prophecy!! The government is not persuaded to do anything for them These organisations neglect their views and interests
So if you were in the government, how would you try to encourage people to participate in politics?
Task: 12 minutes Discuss how far sociologists would agree that all individuals and groups have opportunities to participate fully in the political process in Britain today. (12 marks) • Suggestions: • Explain ways that people can participate in politics • Explain evidence that some people don’t take up the opportunity to vote • Explain reasons for non-participation • Summarise government responses • Conclusion – would sociologists agree or disagree that people have the opportunity to participate fully in politics?
