Political culture refers to the set of beliefs, values, and practices that shape the behavioral patterns and assumptions held by a society regarding politics and government. Scholars describe it as a shared narrative or story where political actors participate (or not) in creating and maintaining a version of political order. Three types of political culture, namely parochial, subject, and participant, have been identified based on the level of citizens’ political involvement and engagement in the political process. This comprehensive guide explores the three political cultures in detail to help you understand their characteristics and importance.
Parochial political culture is seen in societies with a low level of political awareness, weak citizen participation, and minimal political institutionalization. Such societies are characterized by an indifferent attitude towards politics, where citizens show little concern over government institutions and their activities. They have no interest or desire to take part in political affairs and authority and mainly rely on their traditional way of life. In such cultures, power is concentrated in the hands of elites due to the absence of broader popular participation. Examples of countries that exhibit parochial political culture include some developing countries with weak civil societies, inadequate infrastructure, and limited political freedoms.
Subject political culture is characterized by the citizens’ acceptance of and desire for political leadership, especially from authoritarian regimes. Subjects tend to keep away from political participation but feel obligated to follow government rules. Such cultures are usually seen in societies where there is little or no tradition of democracy or civil liberties, and the government maintains a tight grip on citizens’ lives. In this culture, people’s lives are heavily regulated and limited, with little agency to dissent public authority. Countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and China are examples of those that exhibit subject political culture.
Participant political culture is seen in societies where there is a robust civil society, a high level of citizens’ participation, and a long tradition of democracy and civil liberties. Citizens in these societies are politically aware, act on their beliefs and values, and participate actively in the political process. Participation can come in various forms, including voting, civic engagement, and running for political office. Participants in political culture tend to have high levels of trust in political institutions and the rule of law. Countries with participant political culture include the United States, most western Europe, and Canada.
In conclusion, political culture shapes the political behavior of citizens and the form of government in a society. Understanding the various types of political cultures can help in decision-making and the transformation of political societies. Political leaders can use this knowledge to craft policies and strategies that are tailored to the specific type of political culture they are operating in. While political culture can be complex and multifaceted, a comprehensive guide like this provides an in-depth understanding of the topic to guide actions and decisions.
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