Political Socialization and Political Ideologies

1. Political Socialization and Political Ideologies

2. Political Socialization • Many individuals identify themselves as either conservatives or liberals without understanding what these terms mean • This is inherently irrational • Where do these ideologies come from? • Similar to allegiance to a sports team

3. Where Do the Political Beliefs Come From? • Socializing agents • Family • School • Peer groups and associations • Media • Focusing events

4. One-Dimensional Model • Simple left-right scale, where left = liberal, and right = conservative Liberal (Left) <----- Moderate -----> Conservative (Right)

5. More Appropriate Model • Two-dimensional model • Social dimension • Economic dimension • No longer only two possible locations • Many different ideologies can be placed in a more nuanced model

6. World’s Smallest Political Quiz • Personal Issues • Military service should be voluntary (No Draft) • Government should not control radio, TV, the press or the Internet • Repeal regulations on sex for consenting adults • Drug laws do more harm than good. Repeal them • People should be free to come and go across borders; to live and work where they choose

7. World’s Smallest Political Quiz • Economic Issues • Businesses and farms should operate without govt. subsidies • People are better off with free trade than with tariffs • Minimum wage laws cause unemployment. Repeal them • End taxes. Pay for services with user fees • All foreign aid should be privately funded

9. What Roles Do Ideologies Play? • Structure policy preferences • Govern how we perceive the political world

10. Conservatism • Believes in a minimal role of government • Both in terms of social and economic issues • Believes in individual freedom and the protection of these freedoms at all costs • Believes in equal opportunity for all • Smaller national government & stronger state government • Liberty over equality?

11. Liberalism • Believes in a government with a large role • Both in terms of social and economic issues • This typically includes, but is not bound to, support of: income redistribution,  social legislation • Results should be equal for all • Equality over liberty?

12. Libertarianism • Government involvement in social and economic aspects of life should be minimal • Economic and social self-governance • As long as actions do not harm others, they should be legal • Laws restricting behavior of individuals should be eliminated

13. Socialism • Belief that everyone should own and control the means of production. • Production to satisfy human needs, not, as under capitalism, for sale and profit • Socialism in America? • Expanded role of national government • Nationalization of certain industries • Nationalized welfare, health care, and redistribution of wealth

14. Communism • A social and economic system in which all (or nearly all) property is public, not private • Resources are shared by everyone • Complete government involvement and regulation of the economy • Redistribution of wealth is a key. The government owns, runs, and controls all business