Theories of Political Behavior

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The psychodynamics of decision-making form a basis to understand institutional functioning. Karl Deutsch, Rokeach, Nye, George, Adorno all come to mind. From Psychology Fromm, Bruno Bettelheim, and others have added significantly to understanding of power, sadism, and victims of the state.

Popularly political orientation is often thought to be genetic. There seem to be no academically respectable theorists who propound this view but it has long been wide spread in Western culture. There is, however, ample evidence that children most often develop a political orientation similar to their parents (but through socialization, not genetics).

Long-term Influences to Political Orientation

There are three main sources of influence that shapes political orientation which create long-term effects. Generally, the primary influence originates from family. As stated prior, children will often adopt their parents ideological values. Family tends to be the strongest, most influential force which exists over the lifetime.

Secondly, teachers and other educational authority figures have a significant impact on political orientation. From as early as age 4 up until 18, children spend about 25 percent of their time involved in educational processes. Including post-secondary education significantly raises the impact of political awareness and orientation. Also consider that childhood and adolescent stages of personal growth have the highest level of impressionability.

Thirdly, peers also effect political orientation. Friends often (but not necessarily) have the advantage of being part of the same generation, which collectively develops an unique set of societal issues. The ability to relate on this common level is where the means to shape ideological growth.

Short-term Influences to Political Orientation

There are two main short-term factors which also effect political orientation, which are the media and election issues. These factors differ from the long-term factors as they are often short lived. However, they can be just as crucial in modifying political orientation. The ways in which these two sources are interpreted often relies on the individuals specific political ideology formed by the long term factors.

First, the media often offers commentary on events which can cause ideological shifts. The presentation of events verbally or visually can also effect individual political orientation. These influences can be strong, but are often short term.

Lastly, there are election-issues. These include campaign issues, debates and commercials. Election years and political campaigns can shift certain political behaviors based on the candidates involved, which have different degrees of effectiveness influences voters.

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