What is the most important
indicator of political behavior? What contributes the most in evolution of a
person to an effective citizen? The answer to such questions would certainly
include the concept “Political Culture”. Scholars Verba and Almond first
introduced this term in their book Civic Culture almost half a century ago. The
main purpose of such introduction was to provide Political Scientist with an
abstract unit to measure and explain political behavior. “Political Culture” is
the manifestation of cultural norms, values and beliefs accepted by the public
as a whole toward political system. “Political Culture” is the main determinant
of what citizens of a certain country would tolerate as their governing body
and source of public policy. For example, political culture determines: what
type of politicians could gain public support; what type of political system
could establish in a designated environment; what type of policies could emerge
from such system and etc.
You might ask why should one care about a
term that was introduced for the sake of providing political scientist with a tool
to study political behavior? This is because many scholars believe that
“Political Culture” is the single most important indicator in emergence of a political
system that is dominant in a country. In other words, people will consciously
or sub-consciously tolerate the political system that surrounds them. And yes!
They could be sub-consciously tolerating a political system even if they deny this.
Since the emergence of political systems are
dependent upon the “Political Culture” of its subjected citizens, a democracy
could not endure unless the overall cultural norms and values of the citizens
are supportive toward its core philosophy.
As a “Positive Citizen” it is imperative
for one to make sure of his/her congruence to standard cultural norms and
values that are supportive toward a democratic system.
I will further elaborate my
points regarding “Political Culture” in my upcoming post.
Best,
Admin
