Political Socialization In Russia

3 Pages 723 Words

Political socialization refers to the way that political values and ideals are formed and transmitted from one generation to the next. The majority of people acquire their first political values at an early age with some ideals evolving, and some staying the same through life. The core of these political ideals are formed through various structures and organizations such as the family, schools, religious institutions, mass media, interest groups, and political parties. In recent years Russia has practically done a 180 in terms of political organization, and even the type of government that it utilizes. As a result of this it is interesting to look at political socialization in modern Russia.
By far the most influential group on a person is the family. The family is the first influence on a person, and arguably the most lasting. In theory the family can almost predetermine a person’s political future. For example, if a child is active in the family’s decision making process, this can provide skills for future political participation and competence, on the other hand if a child is completely excluded from the family decision making process, this can predispose the child to the life of a political subject. In Russia, along with almost all other countries a person’s political party or political association is the same as that of their family’s. This is a direct result of the aforementioned.
The next logical place where a Russian would gain political insight would be the school system. In schools pupils are provided with concrete information about their political world and it’s institutions and relationships. In Russia children go to school at the age of 6, and attend for ten years and finish at the age of 16 or 17. If a student does not perform properly then he or she may be asked to repeat the year. School years are divided into three sub-schools, much like the U.S., primary, secondary, and high. Primary is f...