POLI 330N Week 2 Discussion: Your Political Socialization

POLI 330N Week 2 Discussion: Your Political Socialization

Student Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

Prof. Name:

Date

Political Socialization: Reflecting on Influences

Introduction to Political Socialization

Political socialization is a lifelong process that begins during childhood. Reflecting on my experiences around the age of ten, I recall significant discussions about politics, particularly concerning social injustice. A pivotal moment in shaping my early political awareness was the civil unrest following the acquittal of the police officers involved in the Rodney King case on April 29, 1992. These events sparked intense conversations within my family about issues of race and justice. As Whitman Cobb (2020) explains, “Socialization is the process through which we acquire beliefs about the world around us; the media is a key way in which those ideas, values, and beliefs are communicated.” My family encouraged open dialogue about systemic inequalities, emphasizing the need to critically assess societal structures. These discussions deeply influenced my understanding of systemic racism and reinforced the belief that marginalized communities often face significant systemic barriers. This perspective has remained largely unchanged and has been further validated by the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, which continues to highlight persistent racial injustices.

Family Influence and Educational Experiences

While my family harbored skepticism toward the political system, they consistently exercised their right to vote, setting an example that I have continued to follow. My college education also played a pivotal role in broadening my political awareness. Through courses in history, political science, and civics, I gained insights into government institutions and societal processes. As Longley (2021) notes, “College-level courses in American history, civics, and political science encourage students to examine government institutions and processes.” This academic exposure helped me appreciate diverse political perspectives and equipped me with the skills to engage in constructive political dialogue. These experiences have enabled me to navigate political discussions more effectively, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities of governance and social structures.

The Role of Media

Media has been a constant and influential presence throughout my political socialization. A defining moment in my formative years was witnessing the events of 9/11 live on television. Such exposure underscores the role media plays in shaping public opinion and introducing young individuals to sociopolitical issues. As B. S. et al. (2021) explain, “Not only does the media influence public opinion by providing news, analysis, and a diversity of opinion, it exposes people to modern sociopolitical issues, such as drug abuse, abortion, and racial discrimination.” The pervasive nature of media necessitates that caregivers engage in discussions with children to help them process and contextualize what they see. Without such guidance, children may develop uninformed opinions based solely on media portrayals.

POLI 330N Week 2 Discussion: Your Political Socialization

Table: Summary of Political Socialization Factors

References

B. S., T. A. U., & Facebook, F. (2021, March 3). What is political socialization? Definition and examples. ThoughtCo. Retrieved March 15, 2021, from https://www.thoughtco.com/political-socialization-5104843.

Longley, R. (2021, March 3). What is political socialization? Definition and examples. ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/political-socialization-5104843.

POLI 330N Week 2 Discussion: Your Political Socialization

Whitman Cobb, W. N. (2020). Political science today (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Sage, CQ Press.