Political culture refers to the beliefs, values, norms, and practices that give shape to the way people in a society think about politics. It influences the way people perceive and respond to political events, institutions, and processes. Every society has a unique political culture, which can be broadly classified into three types: parochial, subject, and participatory. In this article, we will explore each of these political cultures in detail.
Parochial Political Culture
Parochial political culture can be found in traditional societies where people are not politically conscious and have little or no knowledge of their legal rights. The political institutions are weak and inefficient, and people do not trust them. They are mostly focused on their private lives and have no interest in the public sphere. In a parochial political culture, political authority is vested in traditional leaders or elites who enjoy respect and trust among the people. These leaders have significant influence in the society and can use their personal power to settle disputes and conflicts.
Subject Political Culture
Subject political culture can be found in societies where people have a limited awareness of their legal rights and lack the ability to participate actively in the political process. They are aware of the political institutions, but have no power to influence or hold them accountable. In a subject political culture, citizens are passive and rely on the government for their basic needs. Political authority is vested in the hands of a centralized power, and the people have no say in the decision-making process. The media and intellectuals are suppressed, and dissent is not tolerated.
Participatory Political Culture
Participatory political culture can be found in societies where people are politically active and have a high level of awareness of their legal rights. They participate in the political process by voting, attending public meetings, joining political parties, and engaging in grassroots activism. In a participatory political culture, citizens are active and play an important role in the decision-making process. Political authority is decentralized, and power is shared among various institutions, organizations, and individuals. The media and intellectuals have significant freedom, and dissent is tolerated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, political culture plays a crucial role in shaping the way people think about politics. Understanding the different types of political cultures is essential in analyzing the political system of a society. While parochial and subject political cultures are associated with authoritarianism and suppression of individual rights, participatory political culture encourages individual participation and promotes democracy.
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