Summary
Subsection #6.1: Introduction to Political Identity
Political identity refers to the labels and characteristics an individual chooses to associate with based on a multitude of factors including but not limited to, their perception of political ideologies, platforms and parties, as well as how they see themselves from national, racial, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and gender perspectives. ne of the main reasons political scientists have begun focusing on political identity is because human attachment to these identities has been mobilized for/with political consequences. Political mobilization is defined as organized activities intended to motivate groups of participants to take political action on a particular issue. There have been many examples of political identity resulting in political mobilization. Political socialization is the process by which individuals perceive the political world around them, come to understand how society is organized, and how they see their own role in society based on these perceptions. Political socialization occurs within families, schooling, church communities and any engagement individuals have with the outside world.
Subsection #6.2: Political Culture
Culture is the combination of customs, social institutions, arts, media, and social, economic, political achievements of a social group. In many ways, culture can be seen as a “catch-all” for so many factors of social behavior, habits and traditions found in a society. This also includes norms, which are standard practices, rules, patterns and behaviors that are considered acceptable in a society. Cultures which enforce strict adherence to norms tend to have greater control over their own populations, and often less crime, and the promotion of self-control among individuals. In contrast, countries that do not promote strict adherence to norms may be more disorganized and have potentially higher crime, but are more open to other ideas, cultures, and ways of life.
Subsection #6.3: Race and Ethnicity
Race is “a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits.” Ethnicity is a broader term than race and is used to categorize groups of people according to their own relation to culture. Racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic and cultural origin are all factors which can be used to describe a person’s ethnicity. Race and ethnicity play a major role in politics around the world. Factors of race and ethnicity can be explored as both an influence on political outcomes, as well as an effect of political outcomes.Matters of race and ethnicity as they relate to politics continue to be significant areas of research around the world. Almost every country on the planet has unique historical contexts and political circumstances that in some way are affected, or affect, different racial or ethnic groups.
Subsection #6.4: Gender
Gender can be broadly defined as a spectrum of characteristics ranging from feminine to masculine, and gender tends to have more to do with how a person wants to identify. The difference between biological sex versus gender identity is critical to understand. According to the World Health Organization, biological sex refers to “the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormones, etc.” Relating to biological sex, the divide between male and female has often influenced politics. Most frequently, women in most societies have been historically underrepresented and discriminated against. Another factor of concern in this area is acceptance of gender identity in different political systems.
Subsection #6.5: Comparative Case Study:
Japan and India are both democracies with new constitutions formed in the post World War II period. Within both countries’ constiutions, there is emphasis on both equal treatment under the law for all citizens, as well as freedom from discrimation based on race, religion, sex, and other factors of importance in both societies. Nevertheless, both countries have struggled with large gender gaps in relation to women in the workplace, women’s earnings with equal credentials and positions as men, access to healthcare, and representation in politics. Women in both countries struggled significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and gender gaps further widened. Japan has instituted new policies to try to close the wide gender gaps, while India has been struggling to devise new policies to improve gender gaps across all segments of society.
Review Questions
- Organized activities intended to motivate groups of participants to take political action on a particular issue are:
- Political activities
- Political Identity
- Political Mobilization
- Arab Spring
- The process by which individuals perceive the political world around them, come to understand how society is organized, and how they see their own role in society based on these perceptions is:
- Society
- Political Mobilization
- Political Socialization
- Political Identity
- One way an individual becomes socialized is:
- Through their families
- Through their schooling
- Through their church or religious community
- All of the above are correct
- The combination of customs, social institutions, arts, media, and social, economic, political achievements of a social group is:
- Culture
- Norms
- Political Identity
- Political Mobilization
- Countries that have loose norms tend to:
- Be more open to other cultures
- Experience better economic outcomes
- Experience better political outcomes
- All of the above are correct
Answers: 1.c, 2.c, 3.d, 4.c, 5.d