POLITICAL BEHAVIORPOLITICAL BEHAVIOR

An Inter-disciplinary StudyAn Inter-disciplinary Study

POLITICAL BEHAVIORPOLITICAL BEHAVIOR

Politics in micro and macro levels of social Politics in micro and macro levels of social lifelife

Individual strategies for cooperation, Individual strategies for cooperation, conflict resolution, pursuing interests, conflict resolution, pursuing interests, even strategies towards family members even strategies towards family members and relativesand relatives

As the social surrounding grows bigger, As the social surrounding grows bigger, individuals’ choices, attitudes and individuals’ choices, attitudes and behaviors become more “political” in its behaviors become more “political” in its true meaningtrue meaning

THE INDIVIDUALTHE INDIVIDUAL

The political orientations, self-The political orientations, self-identifications, ideals, principles and identifications, ideals, principles and ideologies of the individual towards ideologies of the individual towards the social surrounding constitute an the social surrounding constitute an important theme of our subject important theme of our subject (political behavior).(political behavior).

The discipline of political psychologyThe discipline of political psychology

THE GROUP THE GROUP

Individual’s self-identification with a Individual’s self-identification with a political group via membership to or political group via membership to or orientation (indirect support...etc) orientation (indirect support...etc) towards a political party, political towards a political party, political organization or movement.organization or movement.

The discipline of political sociologyThe discipline of political sociology

WHEN DISCIPLINES COINCIDEWHEN DISCIPLINES COINCIDE

The political choices and behaviors of The political choices and behaviors of the individual may not always the individual may not always present a stable and continuous present a stable and continuous charactercharacter

May go through changes, May go through changes, developments and transformations in developments and transformations in time depending on many different time depending on many different situations and factors.situations and factors.

WHEN DISCIPLINES COINCIDEWHEN DISCIPLINES COINCIDE

Apart from these, the political Apart from these, the political behavior of the individual may behavior of the individual may present a double or multi-character present a double or multi-character wayway

DETERMINANTS OF POLITICAL DETERMINANTS OF POLITICAL BEHAVIORBEHAVIOR

The family The family Family traditions in politicsFamily traditions in politics The orientation and education by the The orientation and education by the

family eldersfamily elders Charism of a family elder who is Charism of a family elder who is

taken by the child as a model or idoltaken by the child as a model or idol Another interdisciplinary contribution Another interdisciplinary contribution

in terms of a ne problematic: the in terms of a ne problematic: the genetics of political behavior. genetics of political behavior.

MORE BIOLOGY, MORE MORE BIOLOGY, MORE SOCIOLOGYSOCIOLOGY

Age groups and differing intensivities Age groups and differing intensivities in the political spherein the political sphere

Youth and popular cultureYouth and popular culture Aged people and political Aged people and political

participation as a citizenship dutyparticipation as a citizenship duty The gender sideThe gender side

FACTORS WITHIN THE SOCIAL FACTORS WITHIN THE SOCIAL SURROUNDINGSURROUNDING

Education sphere: teachers and Education sphere: teachers and school-mates as political orientatorsschool-mates as political orientators

Class belonging and political Class belonging and political behaviorbehavior

Mass media and public opinionMass media and public opinion The neighborhood effectThe neighborhood effect

FACTORS WITHIN THE SOCIAL FACTORS WITHIN THE SOCIAL SURROUNDINGSURROUNDING

Ethnicity, ethnic identities, racism, Ethnicity, ethnic identities, racism, xenophobiaxenophobia

Crime, terror and prejudicial behaviorCrime, terror and prejudicial behavior Immigrants and political behaviorImmigrants and political behavior Religious affiliationReligious affiliation Kinship ties and political behaviorKinship ties and political behavior Clientalism and politicsClientalism and politics

POLITICAL FACTORS POLITICAL FACTORS

Leader charism and political choiceLeader charism and political choice

Political propaganda and its influencePolitical propaganda and its influence

MOST VISIBLE MEASUREMENT MOST VISIBLE MEASUREMENT OF POLITICAL BEHAVIOROF POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

Elections and votingElections and voting

Election campaignsElection campaigns

Electoral SystemsElectoral Systems

PART IPART I

THE INFLUENCE OF GENETICS THE INFLUENCE OF GENETICS ON POLITICAL ORIENTATION ON POLITICAL ORIENTATION

AND BEHAVIORAND BEHAVIOR

GENETICS&SOCIAL SCIENCESGENETICS&SOCIAL SCIENCES

The increase in the use of genetic The increase in the use of genetic explanations for human characteristics explanations for human characteristics and conditions over the last few decadesand conditions over the last few decades

The academic search for the influence of The academic search for the influence of genetic factors to explain the differences genetic factors to explain the differences and varieties in humans’ psychological and varieties in humans’ psychological and behavioral characteristics such as and behavioral characteristics such as violence, tolerance, intelligence and violence, tolerance, intelligence and sexual orientation (straight&gay)sexual orientation (straight&gay)

MAIN PROBLEMATICSMAIN PROBLEMATICS

Can people be born with political Can people be born with political predispositions?predispositions?

Does political orientation have a Does political orientation have a hereditary characteristic?hereditary characteristic?

Is it genes or the early childhood Is it genes or the early childhood experiences within the family which experiences within the family which are more influential on the are more influential on the development of political attitudes?development of political attitudes?

MAIN PROBLEMATICSMAIN PROBLEMATICS

Which factor is the most influential Which factor is the most influential one on political orientation: one on political orientation:

Genes?Genes? Socialisation within the family?Socialisation within the family? or the social environment? (friends, or the social environment? (friends,

education, business environment...) education, business environment...)

THE NATURE vs. NURTURE THE NATURE vs. NURTURE DEBATEDEBATE

Recent studies claiming that genetics is Recent studies claiming that genetics is highly influential on the formation of highly influential on the formation of political orientations, attitudes and political orientations, attitudes and behaviorbehavior

Academic response to these studies and Academic response to these studies and claims, emphasizing the importance of claims, emphasizing the importance of the environment (political attitudes as the environment (political attitudes as learned elements, rather than learned elements, rather than genetically transmitted ones)genetically transmitted ones)

A TURNING POINT WITHIN OUR A TURNING POINT WITHIN OUR SUBJECTSUBJECT

The Bell CurveThe Bell Curve, Richard Herrnstein , Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray (1994)and Charles Murray (1994)

The authors argued that intelligence The authors argued that intelligence largely determined success in life, largely determined success in life, and intelligence was largely genetic and intelligence was largely genetic in origin.in origin.

THE BELL CURVETHE BELL CURVE

The authors also argued that IQs of Black The authors also argued that IQs of Black Americans were lower on average than IQs Americans were lower on average than IQs of the Whites.of the Whites.

So, differences in life chances between So, differences in life chances between Blacks and Whites were driven by genes, Blacks and Whites were driven by genes, with intelligence as the mediating factorwith intelligence as the mediating factor

Authors even recommended the welfare Authors even recommended the welfare and reproductive policies of the US be and reproductive policies of the US be changed in order to decrease the number changed in order to decrease the number of children born to lower class (and lower of children born to lower class (and lower IQ) womenIQ) women

THE BELL CURVETHE BELL CURVE

The book led to great debates among The book led to great debates among academics, media and even politicians, academics, media and even politicians, either supporting or condemning these either supporting or condemning these propositionspropositions

A social-Darwinist approachA social-Darwinist approach Those who are in favour of such an Those who are in favour of such an

approach where survival of the fittest is approach where survival of the fittest is welcomed, tend to be conservatives in welcomed, tend to be conservatives in ideological terms (Hofstadter, 1944)ideological terms (Hofstadter, 1944)

THE CONSERVATIVE&LIBERAL THE CONSERVATIVE&LIBERAL DEBATEDEBATE

Does political ideology play a role in Does political ideology play a role in determining how people feel about determining how people feel about genetic explanations for human genetic explanations for human characteristics?characteristics?

Do conservative and liberal people Do conservative and liberal people have different attitudes towards the have different attitudes towards the genetic explanations of human genetic explanations of human characteristics?characteristics?

ASSUMPTIONSASSUMPTIONS

Conservatives are more likely to Conservatives are more likely to endorse genetic explanations for endorse genetic explanations for human characteristics related to human characteristics related to socioeconomic inequalitysocioeconomic inequality

Liberals are more likely to endorse Liberals are more likely to endorse environmental explanations for those environmental explanations for those characteristicscharacteristics

ASSUMPTIONS ON ASSUMPTIONS ON CONSERVATIVESCONSERVATIVES

The idea of genetic influence on human The idea of genetic influence on human characteristics is in accordance with the characteristics is in accordance with the conservative principlesconservative principles

Historical background: Historical background: The Feudal and Monarchic Ages: Monarchs The Feudal and Monarchic Ages: Monarchs

and the nobility with an hereditary and the nobility with an hereditary charactercharacter

No social mobility between seperate No social mobility between seperate classes and life-long membership to the classes and life-long membership to the class one is born intoclass one is born into

ASSUMPTIONS ON ASSUMPTIONS ON CONSERVATIVESCONSERVATIVES

Theological Background: Theological Background:

Middle-Age scolastical thought: Middle-Age scolastical thought: Accepting the consequences of your Accepting the consequences of your destiny which is labeled on you even destiny which is labeled on you even before birth and not challenging the before birth and not challenging the conditions brought forth by this conditions brought forth by this destiny (God’s Plan)destiny (God’s Plan)

ASSUMPTIONS ON THE ASSUMPTIONS ON THE LIBERALSLIBERALS

Liberal Principles: equality, humans Liberal Principles: equality, humans as valuable beings, freedom of as valuable beings, freedom of choicechoice

It is the social environment that It is the social environment that influences the attitudes and influences the attitudes and behaviors of an individual, regarding behaviors of an individual, regarding the fact that he/she is free make the the fact that he/she is free make the choices that is most fit for him/herchoices that is most fit for him/her

ONE EXCEPTIONONE EXCEPTION Do genes have an influence on determining Do genes have an influence on determining

sexual orientation?sexual orientation? Conservatives are more likely to reject the Conservatives are more likely to reject the

role of genes and instead to favor the role of genes and instead to favor the influence of the environment. Because, influence of the environment. Because, conservative thought can not allow the conservative thought can not allow the possibility that God created human beings in possibility that God created human beings in those sexual orientations such as gays and those sexual orientations such as gays and lesbians (the Creator would not create people lesbians (the Creator would not create people with such defections with such defections , rather people choose , rather people choose to become homosexual under the influence of to become homosexual under the influence of environmental factors)environmental factors)

THE INFLUENCE OF IDEOLOGYTHE INFLUENCE OF IDEOLOGY

The responses of people towards The responses of people towards genetical explanations of human genetical explanations of human nature change according to different nature change according to different ideological orientationsideological orientations

This situation is closely linked to the This situation is closely linked to the conservative/liberal conceptions of conservative/liberal conceptions of state intervention on certain groundsstate intervention on certain grounds

IDEOLOGY AND STATE IDEOLOGY AND STATE INTERVENTION- The US MODELINTERVENTION- The US MODEL

Political conservatism in the US is Political conservatism in the US is associated with a desire for small associated with a desire for small government and a lcak of government government and a lcak of government intervention in the lives of the citizens intervention in the lives of the citizens WHEREASWHEREAS

Political liberalism in the US is associated Political liberalism in the US is associated with a desire for government intervention with a desire for government intervention to adress societal problems (poverty, to adress societal problems (poverty, immigrant policy, welfare state immigrant policy, welfare state policies...etc) policies...etc)

CONSERVATIVE ATTITUDECONSERVATIVE ATTITUDE

If socio-economic differences are If socio-economic differences are primarily driven by inequalities of primarily driven by inequalities of genetic endowment, then genetic endowment, then government policies and programs government policies and programs would not be effective to remedy would not be effective to remedy them. So, support for a small, limited them. So, support for a small, limited government (conservatism) is the government (conservatism) is the most practical positionmost practical position

CONSERVATIVE ATTITUDECONSERVATIVE ATTITUDE

American Conservatives (as well as American Conservatives (as well as those in Western Europe) criticise those in Western Europe) criticise most welfare policies of the state as most welfare policies of the state as of being in the advantage of the of being in the advantage of the immigrants, minorities, people of immigrants, minorities, people of lower classes...etc. So, financial lower classes...etc. So, financial funding of these policies is a burden funding of these policies is a burden on the true! citizens of the countryon the true! citizens of the country

LIBERAL ATTITUDELIBERAL ATTITUDE

Welfare policies should exist to protect the Welfare policies should exist to protect the disadvantaged masses in order to remedy disadvantaged masses in order to remedy inequalities of opportunities and access to inequalities of opportunities and access to public services. State intervention is public services. State intervention is welcomed by the American liberals on this welcomed by the American liberals on this issue.issue.

If socio-economic inequalities result from If socio-economic inequalities result from environmental factors, then environmental environmental factors, then environmental support such as education and social aids support such as education and social aids would help to remedy these inequalitieswould help to remedy these inequalities

POLITICAL TRADITIONPOLITICAL TRADITION

Many theorists (Rousseau,Marx...) argued Many theorists (Rousseau,Marx...) argued that government has a moral obligation to that government has a moral obligation to remedy systematic inequalities brought remedy systematic inequalities brought about by societal forces.about by societal forces.

Others like Plato, Aristotle and E. Burke Others like Plato, Aristotle and E. Burke argued that the inequalities created by argued that the inequalities created by nature (God) should be allowed to flourish, nature (God) should be allowed to flourish, not be got rid ofnot be got rid of

(the underlying principle of natural (the underlying principle of natural selection)selection)

EXCEPTION OF SEXUAL EXCEPTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION MATTERORIENTATION MATTER

Conservatives in favour of a Conservatives in favour of a government control on homosexual government control on homosexual orientationsorientations

Liberals in favour of a limited Liberals in favour of a limited government staying out of the government staying out of the citizens’ bedrooms citizens’ bedrooms

POLITICAL SOCIALISATIONPOLITICAL SOCIALISATION

Leaving behind the genetic side of Leaving behind the genetic side of the story, an analysis of the process the story, an analysis of the process namely “political socialisation” is namely “political socialisation” is necessary for determining the factors necessary for determining the factors influential on the formation of influential on the formation of political behaviors of the individualspolitical behaviors of the individuals

Man is both a social animal and a Man is both a social animal and a political animalpolitical animal

POLITICAL SOCIALISATIONPOLITICAL SOCIALISATION

The process of adopting the political The process of adopting the political beliefs, values and attitudes beliefs, values and attitudes

The environment as a tutorThe environment as a tutor Life-long learning: gaining political Life-long learning: gaining political

knowledge and experience at any knowledge and experience at any ageage

A multi-level processA multi-level process Different factors and conditions at Different factors and conditions at

each leveleach level

CHILDHOOD PERIODCHILDHOOD PERIOD

The development of a self-The development of a self-consciousness consciousness

The development of personalityThe development of personality Development of intelligenceDevelopment of intelligence Development of certain attitudes and Development of certain attitudes and

reactions both at emotional and reactions both at emotional and cognitive sides, towards different cognitive sides, towards different conditionsconditions

TEENHOOD PERIODTEENHOOD PERIOD

A transitionary period from childhood A transitionary period from childhood to adulthoodto adulthood

Pyschological, biological and social Pyschological, biological and social changeschanges

A process whereby the individuals’ A process whereby the individuals’ social, cognitive and political social, cognitive and political development is carried out on the development is carried out on the road to adulthoodroad to adulthood

TEENHOOD PERIODTEENHOOD PERIOD

The ego-centric condition of teensThe ego-centric condition of teens Aiming to ensure the acceptance of Aiming to ensure the acceptance of

their beliefs, ideas or judgements by their beliefs, ideas or judgements by others, mostly via debates or others, mostly via debates or arguementsarguements

Ups & downs: the inconsistency in Ups & downs: the inconsistency in supporting ideals and beliefssupporting ideals and beliefs

The long-run outcome of teen ego-The long-run outcome of teen ego-centrism: idealismcentrism: idealism

TEENHOOD SOCIALISATION TEENHOOD SOCIALISATION

The ultimate function of socialisation The ultimate function of socialisation is to ensure the adoption of social is to ensure the adoption of social roles consistent with the social roles consistent with the social normsnorms

The transmission of social norms, The transmission of social norms, values and beliefsvalues and beliefs

Four different possible reactions of Four different possible reactions of teens towards this transmission teens towards this transmission process:process:

FIRST TYPE OF REACTIONFIRST TYPE OF REACTION

The teen adopts the cultural patterns The teen adopts the cultural patterns transmitted from the social transmitted from the social environment and becomes an environment and becomes an obedient and adaptable member of obedient and adaptable member of the societythe society

SECOND TYPE OF REACTIONSECOND TYPE OF REACTION

The teen challenges all cultural effects The teen challenges all cultural effects from the social environment. Seeks new from the social environment. Seeks new values and aims. Shows disloyalty towards values and aims. Shows disloyalty towards the agents of authority or status quo: the agents of authority or status quo: parents, teachers...etcparents, teachers...etc

Such teens are more likely to become Such teens are more likely to become influenced by non-mainstream or radical influenced by non-mainstream or radical political ideologiespolitical ideologies

THIRD TYPE OF REACTIONTHIRD TYPE OF REACTION

The teen shows little or no interest in The teen shows little or no interest in the cultural transmissions from the the cultural transmissions from the social environment. Can not fully social environment. Can not fully comprehend the common values and comprehend the common values and aims shared by the members of aims shared by the members of society. Dislikes the social order, but society. Dislikes the social order, but also finds him/herself too weak to also finds him/herself too weak to alter or cure the social order. Thus alter or cure the social order. Thus mostly develops an anti-social or mostly develops an anti-social or passive-defensive personalitypassive-defensive personality

FOURTH TYPE OF REACTIONFOURTH TYPE OF REACTION

The teen establishes realist, The teen establishes realist, constructive and positive constructive and positive realionships and makes rational realionships and makes rational choices on adapting the new choices on adapting the new knowledge acquired from the social knowledge acquired from the social environment, thus becomes a “model environment, thus becomes a “model citizen” citizen”

CONFLICTS WITH PARENTSCONFLICTS WITH PARENTS

In search of his/her own self, the teen is In search of his/her own self, the teen is generally motivated towards being freed generally motivated towards being freed from the influence of the parents and this from the influence of the parents and this generally leads to conflictual situations generally leads to conflictual situations

This conflictual attitude may also be This conflictual attitude may also be directed towards elder members of the directed towards elder members of the extended family,teachers, neighbors... extended family,teachers, neighbors...

The individualisation of the teen: The individualisation of the teen: becoming a personality becoming a personality

THE DILEMMA OF TEEN THE DILEMMA OF TEEN SOCIALISATIONSOCIALISATION

The teen, while aiming to acquire The teen, while aiming to acquire social acceptance and admiration by social acceptance and admiration by developing an unique identity and, at developing an unique identity and, at the same time, by being integrated the same time, by being integrated to the bundle of norms, values and to the bundle of norms, values and beliefs dominant in the social beliefs dominant in the social environmentenvironment

THE IDOL FACTORTHE IDOL FACTOR

Patterns of roles, attitudes and Patterns of roles, attitudes and beliefs of an idol or model, mostly an beliefs of an idol or model, mostly an elder within the social environment elder within the social environment (a relative, a neighbor, a teacher...), (a relative, a neighbor, a teacher...), being adopted by the teen during the being adopted by the teen during the process of developing a personality, process of developing a personality, and the process of political and the process of political socialisation and orientation as wellsocialisation and orientation as well

POLITICAL SOCIALISATIONPOLITICAL SOCIALISATION

The individual establishes emotional The individual establishes emotional and cognitive relations with the and cognitive relations with the political structure via elements such political structure via elements such as national flag,state, nation...etc as national flag,state, nation...etc during childhoodduring childhood

These relationships are based on These relationships are based on mostly elementary and material mostly elementary and material systems of thoughtsystems of thought

POLITICAL SOCIALISATIONPOLITICAL SOCIALISATION

During teenhood, the ability to think During teenhood, the ability to think abstractly is gained. So, the teen can abstractly is gained. So, the teen can from now on perceive political from now on perceive political matters not only on material, but matters not only on material, but also presumptive grounds. also presumptive grounds.

Combining the theoretical outcomes Combining the theoretical outcomes of both material and abstract of both material and abstract thought, the teen will find his/her thought, the teen will find his/her place within the political systemplace within the political system

POLITICAL SOCIALISATIONPOLITICAL SOCIALISATION

Life-long learning in the political arena: Life-long learning in the political arena: in addition to the family an school, new in addition to the family an school, new sources of political knowledge will be sources of political knowledge will be available to the teen: friends, NGOs, available to the teen: friends, NGOs, means of mass communication...etc.means of mass communication...etc.

This increase at the cognitive level of This increase at the cognitive level of the teen will contribute to the the teen will contribute to the development of political beliefs and development of political beliefs and attitudesattitudes

POLITICAL SOCIALISATION POLITICAL SOCIALISATION

The tendency of teens towards non-The tendency of teens towards non-mainstream or radical political mainstream or radical political movements generally depends on movements generally depends on personal and social motives: personal and social motives: developing a self-identity and the developing a self-identity and the social acceptance and admiration social acceptance and admiration gained by means of performing the gained by means of performing the social roles assigned by this identity.social roles assigned by this identity.

ADULTHOOD PERIODADULTHOOD PERIOD

Age factorAge factor New social roles and statues such as being New social roles and statues such as being

married, having a job, having children...married, having a job, having children... Another change of roles in terms of Another change of roles in terms of

socialisation: the adult, while he/she was a socialisation: the adult, while he/she was a socialised element, turns into a socialising socialised element, turns into a socialising factor for the children, youth...etc in the factor for the children, youth...etc in the new social environmentsnew social environments

RE-SOCIALISATIONRE-SOCIALISATION

Another type of socialisation mostly Another type of socialisation mostly observed since the early periods of observed since the early periods of adulthoodadulthood

Transformations in terms of belief, Transformations in terms of belief, ideological orientation, attitudes...etc ideological orientation, attitudes...etc which may alter the previously dominant which may alter the previously dominant factors of political behavior due to the factors of political behavior due to the relationships, experiences and knowledge relationships, experiences and knowledge established and gained during adulthoodestablished and gained during adulthood

RE-SOCIALISATIONRE-SOCIALISATION

While the society influences the individual While the society influences the individual in terms of gaining these beliefs, in terms of gaining these beliefs, attitudes...,the individual also influences attitudes...,the individual also influences the society in a similar waythe society in a similar way

But, it is mostly a dynamic process, not a But, it is mostly a dynamic process, not a stable one, changing according to the stable one, changing according to the environmentenvironment

Traditional vs. Modern societies (Duverger)Traditional vs. Modern societies (Duverger)

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL BEHAVIORPOLITICAL BEHAVIOR

According to Rosenberg, individuals According to Rosenberg, individuals go through a three-dimensional go through a three-dimensional development process:development process:

ContiguousContiguous LinearLinear SystematicSystematic

CHANGING SOCIAL CHANGING SOCIAL CONDITIONS DURING CONDITIONS DURING

ADULTHOODADULTHOOD

• Changing social conditions and the Changing social conditions and the adoption of new social roles may adoption of new social roles may alter the determinants of political alter the determinants of political behavior and lead to transformationsbehavior and lead to transformations

• Idealism vs. Realism Idealism vs. Realism

INSTITUTIONS OF POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS OF POLITICAL SOCIALISATONSOCIALISATON

The family as the primary institutionThe family as the primary institution The monopoly of the family in The monopoly of the family in

determining the early tendencies determining the early tendencies towards political orientation (both at towards political orientation (both at emotional and cognitive levels)emotional and cognitive levels)

First impressions of the child on First impressions of the child on political figures and matters are political figures and matters are developed within the family developed within the family environmentenvironment

THE FAMILYTHE FAMILY

Direct influence of the family (direct Direct influence of the family (direct political socialisation)political socialisation)

Indirect influence of the family Indirect influence of the family (indirect political socialisation)(indirect political socialisation)

Transmission of political attitudes, Transmission of political attitudes, ideologies, party identification and ideologies, party identification and class consciousnessclass consciousness

Family traditions in politicsFamily traditions in politics

THE ATTITUDES OF THE THE ATTITUDES OF THE PARENTSPARENTS

Parents applying authoritarian or Parents applying authoritarian or democratic ways of raising their democratic ways of raising their childrenchildren

Differing influences and outcomes of Differing influences and outcomes of differing raising methodsdiffering raising methods

Idols or models within the family and Idols or models within the family and political orientationpolitical orientation

THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTTHE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Teachers as new symbols of Teachers as new symbols of authority outside the family authority outside the family environmentenvironment

School mates School mates Cognitive developments during Cognitive developments during

education (accumulation of education (accumulation of knowledge)knowledge)

School as an ideological state School as an ideological state apparatus apparatus

MASS COMMUNICATION MEANSMASS COMMUNICATION MEANS

Radio, TV, newspapers, internet...Radio, TV, newspapers, internet... Mass media as cognitive sources of Mass media as cognitive sources of

political behaviorpolitical behavior Social roles presented via Social roles presented via

media,especially TVmedia,especially TV Media as a means of political Media as a means of political

propagandapropaganda

THE FRIENDS FACTORTHE FRIENDS FACTOR

Friendship ties and relations within Friendship ties and relations within friend groups constituting an friend groups constituting an environment whereby determinants environment whereby determinants of political behavior are influenced, of political behavior are influenced, altered and developedaltered and developed

Friends both as cognitive and Friends both as cognitive and emotional sourcesemotional sources

THE COMMUNITY EFFECTTHE COMMUNITY EFFECT

Various communities we belong to or Various communities we belong to or feel a belonging tofeel a belonging to

Variety of communities: where and Variety of communities: where and whom we work, live, socialize and whom we work, live, socialize and worship...(city community, church worship...(city community, church community, work community...)community, work community...)

SENSE OF COMMUNITYSENSE OF COMMUNITY

A feeling that members have a belonging, A feeling that members have a belonging, a feeling that members matter to one a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment togetherthrough their commitment together

Sense of community changes from Sense of community changes from individual to individual, as well as from individual to individual, as well as from group to group (diversity of groups and group to group (diversity of groups and changing levels of attachment within changing levels of attachment within communities)communities)

COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL BEHAVIORBEHAVIOR

Social interactions within the Social interactions within the community play an important role in community play an important role in determining our political choices and determining our political choices and behavior.behavior.

There are two types of political There are two types of political behavior influenced by community behavior influenced by community interactions:interactions:

Political discussionPolitical discussion Voting behaviorVoting behavior

POLITICAL DISCUSSIONPOLITICAL DISCUSSION

Political discussion as a way of Political discussion as a way of socialisationsocialisation

Political discussion as a social interaction Political discussion as a social interaction which provides information about political which provides information about political mattersmatters

Observing and communicating with other Observing and communicating with other members of the community may influence members of the community may influence political decisionspolitical decisions

Political discussion as a by-product of Political discussion as a by-product of social interactionsocial interaction

COMMUNITY and VOTING COMMUNITY and VOTING

Information gained via community Information gained via community interaction influencing voting interaction influencing voting behaviorbehavior

Collective political behavior Collective political behavior developed within the community due developed within the community due to common interests,goals...to common interests,goals...

The communal leader factorThe communal leader factor Politicised communities/political Politicised communities/political

communities/political identitiescommunities/political identities

COMMUNITY and VOTINGCOMMUNITY and VOTING

Changing voting behavior due to Changing voting behavior due to different types of elections: different types of elections:

General electionsGeneral elections

Local electionsLocal elections

Elections on communal affairsElections on communal affairs

PARTY IDENTIFICATIONPARTY IDENTIFICATION

Identifying oneself via membership or Identifying oneself via membership or support to any political partysupport to any political party

The party becoming a symbolizer or The party becoming a symbolizer or determinant of political identitydeterminant of political identity

The party as a means of socialisationThe party as a means of socialisation The party as a means of collective The party as a means of collective

action and group consciousnessaction and group consciousness Partisanship: extreme form of party Partisanship: extreme form of party

identificationidentification

PARTY IDENTIFICATIONPARTY IDENTIFICATION

According to the general framework According to the general framework of sociology, social characteristics of sociology, social characteristics (class,ethnicity,gender,race…) (class,ethnicity,gender,race…) anchor political preferencesanchor political preferences

The Marxist view of party The Marxist view of party identification based on class identification based on class consciousnessconsciousness

THE AMERICAN VOTERTHE AMERICAN VOTER

Published in 1960 by Angus Published in 1960 by Angus Campbell, Philip Converse, Warren Campbell, Philip Converse, Warren Miller and Donald Stokes, it was the Miller and Donald Stokes, it was the first comprehensive study on party first comprehensive study on party identification.identification.

It proposed a social-psychological It proposed a social-psychological thery of party identification.thery of party identification.

THE AMERICAN VOTERTHE AMERICAN VOTER

Party identification is a long-term Party identification is a long-term psychological attachment to a party.psychological attachment to a party.

It develops early in one’s life and is It develops early in one’s life and is influenced by institutions of political influenced by institutions of political socialisation such as the familysocialisation such as the family

Over time, this feeling of attachment Over time, this feeling of attachment turns into an emotional and mostly turns into an emotional and mostly stable one. stable one.

THE AMERICAN VOTERTHE AMERICAN VOTER

Since party identification influences Since party identification influences people’s evaluations of political people’s evaluations of political issues,candidates and political events, it issues,candidates and political events, it plays a fundamental role in their choice plays a fundamental role in their choice of vote.of vote.

Party identification is stable except when Party identification is stable except when large-scale political events or stressful large-scale political events or stressful conditions such as depressions occur conditions such as depressions occur (The 2001 economic depression in (The 2001 economic depression in Turkey)Turkey)

RESPONSES TO THE RESPONSES TO THE AMERICAN VOTERAMERICAN VOTER

The instrumental view of party The instrumental view of party identification: identification:

Party attachment is an information Party attachment is an information shortcut that is continually and updated shortcut that is continually and updated and adjusted based on rational and adjusted based on rational evaluation (Bartels, Franklin and Jackson)evaluation (Bartels, Franklin and Jackson)

The influence of rational choice is The influence of rational choice is stressed when compared to emotional stressed when compared to emotional attachmentsattachments

THE INDIVIDUAL THE INDIVIDUAL RATIONALITY FRAMEWORKRATIONALITY FRAMEWORK

The economic concept of utility The economic concept of utility maximizationmaximization

Adaptation of this concept to party Adaptation of this concept to party identificationidentification

The assumption that all individuals The assumption that all individuals can behave and choose rationallycan behave and choose rationally

RATIONAL VOTERSRATIONAL VOTERS

A rational person:A rational person: 1) Can always make a decision when 1) Can always make a decision when

confronted with alternativesconfronted with alternatives 2) Ranks all the alternatives according 2) Ranks all the alternatives according

to preference, inferiority…to preference, inferiority… 3) Always chooses from among the 3) Always chooses from among the

possible alternativespossible alternatives 4) Always makes the same choices when 4) Always makes the same choices when

confronted with the same alternativesconfronted with the same alternatives

SPATIAL MODELSPATIAL MODEL

Developed by Anthony DownsDeveloped by Anthony Downs Political parties lure voters on an Political parties lure voters on an

ideological continuum (left-right)ideological continuum (left-right) Issue positions on this continuum placed Issue positions on this continuum placed

by the parties or candidates are by the parties or candidates are considered by votersconsidered by voters

A rational voter chooses by calculating A rational voter chooses by calculating which candidate’s or party’s issue position which candidate’s or party’s issue position is closest to his ideal point of utility on the is closest to his ideal point of utility on the ideological continuumideological continuum

SPATIAL MODELSPATIAL MODEL

Comparisons of utility Comparisons of utility

Parties’ over-time ratings (evaluation Parties’ over-time ratings (evaluation of past activities and policies)of past activities and policies)

VALENCE ISSUES MODELVALENCE ISSUES MODEL

Developed by Donald StokesDeveloped by Donald Stokes Valence issues involve comparative Valence issues involve comparative

judgements about party performance judgements about party performance in certain areas (economy, human in certain areas (economy, human rights…etc)rights…etc)

Changing perception of valence Changing perception of valence issues from individual to individual is issues from individual to individual is an important factor in determining an important factor in determining partisanship and voting behaviorpartisanship and voting behavior

REWARD-PUNISHMENT REWARD-PUNISHMENT MODELMODEL

Developed by V.O. KeyDeveloped by V.O. Key

Voters either rewarding or punishing Voters either rewarding or punishing their party in the elections due to their party in the elections due to their satisfaction with the party’s their satisfaction with the party’s policies and past activitiespolicies and past activities

ISSUE PRIORITY MODELISSUE PRIORITY MODEL

Parties developing policy agendas Parties developing policy agendas over certain issues and even claim over certain issues and even claim issue ownershipissue ownership

This issue ownership becomes widely This issue ownership becomes widely recognized by voters and they vote recognized by voters and they vote according to their issue prioritiesaccording to their issue priorities

ECONOMIC EVALUATION ECONOMIC EVALUATION MODELSMODELS

Voters’ evaluation of economic Voters’ evaluation of economic conditionsconditions

Egocentric considerations / sociotropic Egocentric considerations / sociotropic onesones

Self interested utility maximizing Self interested utility maximizing individuals/ voters interested in the individuals/ voters interested in the welfare of the society as a wholewelfare of the society as a whole

Past/future-oriented economic Past/future-oriented economic evaluationsevaluations

RACE, ETHNICITY AND RACE, ETHNICITY AND POLITICAL BEHAVIORPOLITICAL BEHAVIOR

Ethnic identities playing an important Ethnic identities playing an important role in shaping political decisions and role in shaping political decisions and actionsactions

Us and the othersUs and the others Collective political behavior of Collective political behavior of

politicised ethnic groupspoliticised ethnic groups Ethnic or racial prejudices as Ethnic or racial prejudices as

determinants of political behaviordeterminants of political behavior

CASE STUDY: 2008 US CASE STUDY: 2008 US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONSPRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Obama’s candidacy for presidency Obama’s candidacy for presidency and the racial dimension of US and the racial dimension of US politics and social lifepolitics and social life

Support of the race groups for Support of the race groups for Obama:Obama:

Whites: %43Whites: %43

Blacks: %95Blacks: %95

Hispanics: %67Hispanics: %67

VIEWS ON WHITE SUPPORT VIEWS ON WHITE SUPPORT FOR OBAMAFOR OBAMA

Supporting Obama in terms of Supporting Obama in terms of escaping the stigmata of racismescaping the stigmata of racism

Obama’s self-introduction of being Obama’s self-introduction of being centrist and post-racialcentrist and post-racial

The economic crisis caused The economic crisis caused Americans to realize that they could Americans to realize that they could not evaluate the candidates on the not evaluate the candidates on the basis of racebasis of race

ATTITUDES OF OTHER RACE ATTITUDES OF OTHER RACE GROUPSGROUPS

Black support for Obama: the one in Black support for Obama: the one in a million chance to provide Black a million chance to provide Black presence in US administrationpresence in US administration

Hispanics:mostly belonging to lower Hispanics:mostly belonging to lower classes and falling victim to racial classes and falling victim to racial prejudices, Obama’s presidency is a prejudices, Obama’s presidency is a hope for social and economic policies hope for social and economic policies in their advantagein their advantage

RACISM IN THE USARACISM IN THE USA

Historical racism and anti-Black Historical racism and anti-Black sentiments in the USAsentiments in the USA

The new racism: Symbolic racismThe new racism: Symbolic racism

The belief that blacks (and Hispanics) The belief that blacks (and Hispanics) get special and undeserved get special and undeserved treatment from the US governmentstreatment from the US governments

AGE AND POLITICAL AGE AND POLITICAL BEHAVIORBEHAVIOR

Several nation-wide studies on the Several nation-wide studies on the relationship between age and relationship between age and political behavior, but all lacking a political behavior, but all lacking a global look on the age phenomenon global look on the age phenomenon as a wholeas a whole

National studies show that people National studies show that people belonging to old age groups are belonging to old age groups are much more eager to vote in the much more eager to vote in the electionselections

AGE AND POLITICAL AGE AND POLITICAL BEHAVIORBEHAVIOR

Mark Franklin (2004) was the first to Mark Franklin (2004) was the first to examine the age phenomenon from a examine the age phenomenon from a global comparative perspectiveglobal comparative perspective

The cohort composition of the electorateThe cohort composition of the electorate Voting as a habit and habituation Voting as a habit and habituation

process developing in accordance with process developing in accordance with ageage

Health problems may constitute barriers Health problems may constitute barriers against old age voteragainst old age voter

AGE AND POLITICAL AGE AND POLITICAL BEHAVIORBEHAVIOR

Old age people generally see Old age people generally see voting,as well as a habit, as their voting,as well as a habit, as their citizenship duty or as a sign of their citizenship duty or as a sign of their loyalty to the political systemloyalty to the political system

THE THREE TYPES OF THE THREE TYPES OF EFFECTSEFFECTS

Differences between age groups in Differences between age groups in terms of political participation can be terms of political participation can be determined by three types of effects:determined by three types of effects:

CohortCohort

Life cycleLife cycle

Individual agingIndividual aging

COHORT EFFECTCOHORT EFFECT

Shared experience by a group that Shared experience by a group that was born during a certain periodwas born during a certain period

Shared socialisation as a political Shared socialisation as a political generation (i.e. The 68 generation in generation (i.e. The 68 generation in Turkey)Turkey)

Shared social characteristics in terms Shared social characteristics in terms of education, media, technology…etcof education, media, technology…etc

LIFE-CYCLE EFFECTLIFE-CYCLE EFFECT

Different life stages such as childhood, Different life stages such as childhood, teenhood, adulthood…etc.teenhood, adulthood…etc.

At each stage, there are demands imposed At each stage, there are demands imposed on the individuals from the sociocultural on the individuals from the sociocultural environment environment

Also at each stage, there are differing Also at each stage, there are differing responsibilities (i.e. Parents getting more responsibilities (i.e. Parents getting more involved in politics since political involved in politics since political developments are crucial for the future of developments are crucial for the future of their children)their children)

INDIVIDUAL AGING EFFECTINDIVIDUAL AGING EFFECT

Past voting experiences increase the Past voting experiences increase the probability of future votingprobability of future voting

Repetation of the same political Repetation of the same political behaviors over time (voting) make it behaviors over time (voting) make it a more concrete habita more concrete habit

The The older we are, the more likely we older we are, the more likely we are to adhere to the social norm of are to adhere to the social norm of votingvoting

VOTING AS A SOCIAL NORMVOTING AS A SOCIAL NORM

Voting behavior becoming a social Voting behavior becoming a social norm in time (especially in liberal norm in time (especially in liberal democracies) and adherence to this democracies) and adherence to this norm can be observed by the norm can be observed by the elements within the social elements within the social environmentenvironment

Voting becoming a moral duty that Voting becoming a moral duty that brings social gratification for the brings social gratification for the votervoter

FACTORS INFLUENCING OLD FACTORS INFLUENCING OLD AGE VOTING BEHAVIORAGE VOTING BEHAVIOR

Sense of duty to voteSense of duty to voteReligiosityReligiosityDuration of residenceDuration of residenceParty identificationParty identificationPension as a main source of incomePension as a main source of incomePolitical interestPolitical interest