Coined in the 1970s, 'polycrisis' has been popularized by the historian Adam Tooze to describe the interaction of multiple crises at once. Today, we face a polycrisis that includes a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, racial inequality, and political polarization. As we navigate these challenges, political socialization becomes increasingly important. This term refers to the process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, values, and behaviors. It begins in childhood and continues throughout our lives, but is particularly significant during adolescence and young adulthood.
This study investigates the indirect mechanisms relevant to converting young adults' prosocial attitudes and individual responsibility into political activism. It shows that factors such as parental socialization, peer group influence, and exposure to political events and media all play a role in shaping political attitudes. For example, children whose parents are politically active are more likely to become politically engaged themselves. Similarly, young adults who attend college or live in politically active communities are more likely to develop strong political identities.
Following the SARS pandemic, jurisdictions around the world began developing ethical resource allocation frameworks for future pandemics—one aspect of the broader concept of bioethics. These frameworks aim to ensure that medical resources are allocated fairly and transparently, without discrimination or bias. They are an important example of how political attitudes and values can shape public policy.
Gun laws are another area where political socialization plays a significant role. The United States has a long and contentious history of debate over gun control, and young adults' attitudes towards this issue are often shaped by their families and communities. For example, young adults who grow up in rural areas where hunting is a common activity may be more likely to support gun rights, while those who live in urban areas with high rates of gun violence may be more likely to support stricter gun laws.
National security is another area where political socialization is relevant. The events of 9/11 had a profound impact on young adults' attitudes towards terrorism and national security. Many young adults who came of age during this time view terrorism as a major threat to national security, and support government measures such as increased surveillance and military intervention to combat it.
A storm of investigations targeting leaders of both political parties will shape the 2024 campaign, but risks angering voters who just want to move on. This highlights the complex relationship between current events and political socialization. While events such as political scandals and investigations can shape young adults' attitudes towards government and politics, they can also lead to disillusionment and disengagement.
The midterm elections are mere weeks away, which means that while the candidates make their final pitches to the country, another set of political operatives is scraping up last-minute data on voters. Polling is an important tool for understanding political attitudes, but it is not without its limitations. Pollsters must be careful to use clear and accessible language when asking questions, and to avoid bias or leading questions.
A diverse young generation is ready to change our politics and culture, but our congressional leadership and presidential options remain relatively homogenous. This highlights the importance of diversity and representation in political socialization. When young adults see people who look like them and share their experiences and values in positions of power, they are more likely to feel engaged and empowered.
Thirty years ago, sociologist James Davison Hunter popularized the concept of culture war. Today, he sees a culture war that's gotten worse. This phenomenon is another example of how political attitudes and values can shape public discourse and policy. The culture war refers to the ongoing debate over issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and immigration, which are often deeply rooted in individual values and beliefs.
When scientists and others use their specialized jargon terms while communicating with the general public, the effects are much worse than... This highlights the importance of clear and accessible communication in political socialization. When young adults are exposed to complex or technical language, they may feel discouraged or disengaged from political discourse. It is important for political leaders and advocates to communicate in a way that is both clear and engaging, in order to foster a sense of political efficacy and empowerment.
In conclusion, political socialization is a complex and ongoing process that shapes the attitudes, values, and behaviors of young adults. It is influenced by a wide range of factors, including family, community, education, media, and current events. As we navigate the polycrisis of the current moment, understanding the role of political socialization becomes increasingly important for promoting civic engagement, diversity and representation, and effective public policy.
