Political socialization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Political socialization - Essay Example There are many different agents of political socialization, which have various kinds of influences on the people who are exposed to them. The basic understanding of the processes of political socialization could be considered from the point of view of the shaping of individuals’ minds towards certain directions. Some of the agents of political socialization include family, the media, peer influence, school, religious affiliation, geographical factors, environmental factors, and other realities that influence perceptions and attitudes towards tasks (Greenberg 41). Individuals may awaken to political realities in accordance with the general direction provides by the family. Usually, parents or the elderly people in the family teach the younger members of the family about certain political subjects. In most cases, such early contact with political realities eventually affects the manner in which people come to perceive of political matters in their future. Studies have pointed out that family is usually the most important agent of socialization for any individual or a group of individuals. It is therefore important to consider the fact that family affects people and individuals in a very significant way. The media is another most influential agents of political civilization (Greenberg 55). The function of the media as an agent of socialization could be seen in terms of its standard roles, which includes informing, entertaining, and educating. Many people come to learn of political realities through the information they get from the media. The media may have a lot of influence on the attitudes and opinions regarding certain political positions. Generally, the media provides the kind of information that helps people to make decisions regarding political matters. It expands the understanding of people by reporting and analyzing political events, personalities, ideas, and situations. Families and