TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY JALINGO

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
POS 305 POLITICAL
BEHAVIOUR SUMMARY
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Concept analysis of political
behavior.
2. Approach to political science.
[institutional approach. Behavioral
approach, and criticism to
behavioralist]
3. The meaning and principles of
post behaviorism.
 4. Main thrust of political behavior,
political culture, definition, types,
and levels.
5. Political socialization, definition,
agencies, functions and determinant.
6. Political participation definition,
levels and forms, and factors
affecting political participation.
7. Election and electoral behavior,
definition and functions of election
approach to the study of election.
8. Determinant of electoral
behavior.
introduction
Political behavior refers to the
actions, activities, and conduct of
individuals or groups within a political
context or system. It encompasses a
wide range of behaviors and actions that
people engage in to participate in the
political process. Here are some key
aspects of political behavior:

1. *Voting:* One of the most

fundamental political behaviors is voting
in elections. It is a way for citizens to
express their preferences and make
choices about who should represent
them in government.

2. *Political Participation:* This includes

activities such as attending political
rallies, joining political parties, and
engaging in campaigns. It involves
actively participating in the political
process to influence outcomes.

3. *Protest and Activism:* Political

behavior can also involve non-traditional
forms of participation, such as protests,
demonstrations, and civil disobedience.
These actions are often aimed at
drawing attention to specific political
issues or advocating for change.

4. *Political Communication:*
Communicating about political issues
through various means, including public
speaking, writing op-eds, using social
media, and participating in debates, is a
significant form of political behavior.
Effective communication can sway public
opinion and shape political discourse.

5. *Campaigning:* Running for political

office or working on political campaigns
involves a range of political behaviors,
from fundraising and canvassing to
making policy proposals.
APPROACHES TO THE
STUDY OF POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
There are two main approaches to
the study of political behavior and there
are as follows:
1. Institutional approach
2. Behavioral approach
INSTITUTIONAL APPRACH: Simply
means the approach to political
behavior that studies how political
institution and structures
influence the behavior of groups,
individual, and political actors
within the political system.
Some key element include:
• Stability and change.
• Political institution.
• Decision making.
• Rules and procedures.
Behavioral approach:
simply means the study of
political behavior that
focuses on the observation,
majoring and analyzing the
action, attitude, and
behavior of individuals and
groups in term of politics.
It try to understand why,
and how people engage in
politics.
Some key element
include:
• Voting behavior
• Electoral studies
• Empirical analysis
NB, the behavioral
approach uses the
scientific method to
provide empirical
evidence.
 BEHAVIORALISM
Behavioralism, also known as behavioral
science, is an approach to the study of
politics that focuses on observing the
behaviors and actions of individuals and
groups within the political system
Here are some common criticisms of
behavioralism:
5. *Lack of Attention to Culture and
History:* Critics argue that
behavioralism can be ahistorical and
culture-blind, failing to take into account
the historical and cultural factors that
influence political behavior and decision-
making.
6. *Assumption of Rationality:*
Behavioralism often assumes that
individuals act rationally in their political
decisions, which may not always hold
true in practice. People's political
behavior can be influenced by emotions,
identity, and social factors that go
beyond strict rationality.

7. *Difficulty in Measuring Intangible

Concepts:* Some aspects of politics,
such as political values, ideologies, and
social norms, are difficult to measure
using behavioralist methods. This
limitation can lead to an incomplete
understanding of political phenomena.
8. *Inadequate Attention to Power and
Inequality:* Critics argue that
behavioralism sometimes fails to
adequately address power dynamics and
issues of inequality in politics. It may not
sufficiently analyze how certain groups
or individuals can influence political
outcomes disproportionately.
POST
BEHAVIORALISM
Post-behavioralism is an approach to
political science that emerged in the
mid-20th century. While behavioralism
focused on the study of observable
behaviors. post-behavioralism represents
a shift in political science towards a more
inclusive and diverse set of
methodologies and a greate
perspectives.
Here are some key features of post-
behavioralism:
1. *Interdisciplinary Approach:* Post-
behavioralism encourages
interdisciplinary collaboration and draws
on insights from various fields, including
sociology, psychology, history,
philosophy, and anthropology. It
recognizes that political phenomena
cannot be fully understood through a
single method or discipline.
2. *Qualitative Methods:* Post-
behavioralism embraces a broader range
of research methods, including
qualitative approaches such as case
studies, content analysis, interviews, and
participant observation. These methods
allow for a deeper exploration of political
phenomena beyond quantitative data.
3. *Focus on Power and Inequality:*
Post-behavioralism often pays greater
attention to the dynamics of power and
inequality in politics. It examines how
power is distributed, exercised, and
contested in political systems and how
this impacts various groups within
society.
4. *Engagement with Political Theory:*
Post-behavioralism reengages with
political theory and philosophy,
incorporating critical and normative
perspectives to analyze political issues
and systems.
THE PRINCEPLES OF
POST-BEHAVIORALISM
1. *Interdisciplinarity:* Post-
behavioralism promotes interdisciplinary
collaboration and recognizes that
political phenomena cannot be fully
understood by relying solely on one
discipline or method. It encourages the
integration of insights from various
fields, including sociology, psychology,
history, philosophy, anthropology, and
others.

2. *Normative Considerations:* Post-

behavioralism acknowledges the
importance of normative questions in
political analysis. It emphasizes that
politics involves value-laden choices, and
researchers should engage with ethical
and moral considerations when studying
political issues.
3. *Engagement with Political Theory:*
Post-behavioralism reengages with
political theory and philosophy. It draws
on theoretical frameworks to analyze
and critique political issues, ideologies,
and systems.
4. *Power and Inequality:* Post-
behavioralism pays particular attention
to the dynamics of power and inequality
in politics. It examines how power is
distributed, exercised, and contested
within political systems and how this
affects various groups within society.

5. *Ideas and Discourse:* Post-

behavioralists recognize the importance
of ideas, discourse, and narratives in
shaping political outcomes and behavior.
They explore how language and
communication influence political
processes.
MAIN THRUST OF
POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
1. *Voting Behavior:* Understanding
why individuals vote the way they do
and what factors influence their electoral
choices is a fundamental aspect of
political behavior research. This includes
studying the impact of demographics,
party identification, ideology, and
candidate attributes on voting decisions.

2. *Political Participation:* Examining

the levels and forms of political
participation, from voting and campaign
volunteering to protest and activism, is a
key thrust of political behavior research.
Researchers seek to understand what
motivates individuals to engage in
political activities.

3. *Public Opinion:* Analyzing public

opinion involves studying how
individuals perceive and evaluate
political issues, policies, and government
performance. Researchers explore the
formation and change of public opinion
and its influence on political behavior.

4. *Political Communication:*
Investigating how political information is
disseminated, received, and processed is
crucial in understanding political
behavior. This includes the study of
media effects, political advertising, social
media, and the role of political elites in
shaping public discourse.
POLITICAL CULTURE
Political culture refers to the shared
beliefs, attitudes, values, norms, and
behaviors that characterize the way a
society perceives and interacts with
politics.Political culture can vary across
different societies, and it plays a
significant role in shaping political
behavior and institutions.
*Types of Political Culture:*
There are several types and levels of
political culture:
1. *Traditional Political Culture:* In
societies with a traditional political
culture, there is a strong emphasis on
established customs, long-standing
institutions, and continuity. Change is
often seen as disruptive and undesirable,
and political power tends to be
concentrated among a privileged elite.

2. *Modern Political Culture:* Modern

political culture is characterized by a
more open and progressive outlook.
There is a greater acceptance of change,
innovation, and the idea of political
participation by a broader segment of
the population. Individual rights and
democratic values are often emphasized.

3. *Civic Political Culture:* Civic political

culture places a high value on citizen
engagement, participation, and civic
responsibility. In this type of culture,
people are actively involved in the
political process, and they view their
participation as a fundamental duty.
*Levels of Political
Culture:*
There are as follows:
1. *Individual Level:* At the individual
level, political culture refers to the
beliefs, attitudes, and values held by
individual citizens. These can include an
individual's political preferences,
ideologies, and level of political
engagement.

2. *Group Level:* Group-level political

culture refers to the shared political
beliefs and values within specific social,
cultural, or demographic groups. For
example, different generations, ethnic or
religious groups, and social classes may
have distinct political cultures.
3. *Regional or Subnational Level:*
Political culture can vary within different
regions or subnational entities within a
country. For example, political culture in
urban areas may differ from that in rural
areas due to varying social and economic
conditions.

4. *National Level:* At the national

level, political culture represents the
overall shared political values and
attitudes of a nation or country as a
whole. It often influences the broader
political climate, policy priorities, and
the functioning of political institutions.
 *Political
socialization*
*Political socialization* refers to the
process by which individuals acquire the
knowledge, beliefs, values, and
behaviors that shape their political
attitudes and behaviors. Political
socialization is crucial in understanding
how individuals become politically
aware, develop political preferences, and
participate in the political process.
*Agencies of Political
Socialization:*
Several agencies or sources play a
significant role in the political
socialization process:

1. *Family:* The family is often the

primary agent of political socialization.
Children often adopt the political values
and attitudes of their parents through
discussions, observations, and
interactions within the family.

2. *Education:* Schools and educational

institutions are essential in shaping
political socialization. Civics and social
studies curricula introduce students to
political concepts, institutions, and
ideologies.

3. *Peers:* Friends and peer groups can

influence one's political beliefs and
behaviors. Adolescents and young adults
often discuss political issues and may be
influenced by the political views of their
peers.

4. *Media:* Mass media, including

television, radio, newspapers, and social
media, are influential in shaping political
attitudes. Media outlets provide
information, shape public discourse, and
can influence the framing of political
issues.

5. *Religion:* Religious institutions can

play a role in political socialization by
promoting specific moral and ethical
values that may have political
implications. Religious beliefs can
influence individuals' political attitudes
and actions.
*Functions of
Political Socialization:*
The functions of political socialization
include:
1. *Transmission of Political Values:*
Political socialization transmits the
values, beliefs, and norms that underlie a
political system, helping individuals
understand the fundamental principles
of government.
2. *Formation of Political Identity:* It
contributes to the development of a
person's political identity, including their
party affiliation, ideology, and political
preferences.

3. *Engagement in the Political Process:

* Political socialization encourages
individuals to participate in political
activities such as voting, volunteering,
and activism.

4. *Maintenance of Political Stability: *

By socializing individuals into the existing
political culture, political socialization
helps maintain political stability and
continuity within a society.
*Determinants of
Political Socialization: *
Several factors influence the political
socialization process:
1. *Family Background:* Family plays a
significant role in shaping early political
attitudes. Children often inherit the
political beliefs of their parents.
2. *Education:* The quality and content
of formal education can influence
political knowledge and attitudes.
Schools can either promote civic
education or neglect it.
3. *Media Exposure:* The type and
amount of exposure to media, including
news sources and social media, can
shape individuals' perceptions of political
events and issues.
4. *Peer Influence:* Peer groups,
especially during adolescence and young
adulthood, can have a substantial impact
on one's political views and behaviors.
 *Political
participation*
*Political participation* refers to the
active engagement of individuals or
groups in the political process. It
encompasses a wide range of activities
through which people seek to influence
government decisions, policies, and
outcomes.
*Levels of Political
Participation:*
Political participation can occur at
different levels:
1. *Individual Level:* This includes
actions taken by individual citizens, such
as voting in elections, contacting elected
officials, attending political rallies, or
participating in protests.
2. *Group Level:* Political participation
can also take place within organized
groups, such as interest groups,
advocacy organizations, or political
parties. Group-level participation
involves collective efforts to influence
political outcomes.
3. *Community Level:* At the
community level, citizens may engage in
local politics by attending town hall
meetings, serving on community boards,
or participating in neighborhood
associations.
4. *National Level:* National-level
participation involves actions that affect
the political landscape of an entire
country, such as running for political
office or contributing to national political
campaigns.
*Forms of Political
Participation:*
There are various forms of political
participation, including:
1. *Voting:* Casting ballots in elections
is one of the most common and essential
forms of political participation in
democratic societies.
2. *Contacting Elected Officials:*
Communicating with elected
representatives through letters, emails,
phone calls, or in-person meetings to
express opinions or concerns.
3. *Campaigning:* Engaging in political
campaigns by volunteering, canvassing,
or contributing to candidates or parties.
4. *Protest and Activism:* Participating
in demonstrations, rallies, marches, and
protests to advocate for specific causes
or to express dissent.
5. *Lobbying:* Advocating for specific
policies or interests to elected officials or
government agencies, often through
organized interest groups.
*Factors Affecting
Political Participation:*
Several factors influence the level and
type of political participation by
individuals and groups:
1. *Socioeconomic Status:* Income,
education, and occupation are key
determinants. Higher levels of education
and income are often associated with
higher political participation.
2. *Age:* Older individuals tend to
participate in elections at higher rates
than younger people. However, young
people can engage in alternative forms
of political participation, such as activism
and social media campaigns.
3. *Gender:* Women have historically
faced barriers to political participation,
but gender gaps in participation have
narrowed over time.
4. *Race and Ethnicity:* Racial and
ethnic minorities may face unique
barriers to political participation,
including voter suppression efforts and
representation issues.
*Election:*
An *election* is a formal process in
which eligible voters choose
representatives or make decisions about
issues or policies. Elections are a
fundamental component of democratic
governance.
*Electoral Behavior:*
*Electoral behavior* refers to the
actions, attitudes, and decision-making
processes of individual voters and groups
of voters in the context of an election
*Function of Elections to
the Study of Electoral
Behavior:*
Here are several functions of elections in
the study of electoral behavior:
1. *Data Collection:* Elections generate
a wealth of data, including voting results,
exit polls, surveys, and demographic
information about voters. Researchers
can analyze this data to understand
voting patterns and behaviors.
3. *Testing Hypotheses:* Elections allow
scholars to test hypotheses about voter
behavior and the impact of different
factors on electoral choices. Researchers
can investigate questions related to
partisanship, ideology, demographics,
and more.
4. *Understanding Campaign Effects:*
Elections provide a controlled
environment to assess the impact of
political campaigns, candidate
messaging, advertising, and campaign
strategies on voter behavior.
5. *Exploring Voter Turnout:*
Researchers can analyze election data to
investigate factors influencing voter
turnout, including socio-demographic
characteristics, civic engagement efforts,
and institutional factors.
DETERMINANT OF
ELECTORAL BEHAVIOUR
Electoral behavior is influenced by a
wide range of factors that shape the
choices individuals make when voting in
elections. These determinants can be
grouped into several categories:
1. *Socioeconomic Factors:*
- *Income:* Income levels can
influence voting behavior. Higher-income
individuals may have different policy
preferences than lower-income
individuals.
 - *Education:* Education often
correlates with political engagement.
More highly educated individuals tend to
participate in elections at higher rates
and may have different political
attitudes.
- *Occupation:* Occupation can
influence political preferences, especially
in issues related to labor and
employment policies.
2. *Demographic Factors:*
- *Age:* Age is a significant
determinant. Younger and older voters
may have distinct political attitudes and
preferences.
 - *Gender:* Gender can play a role in
voting behavior, as men and women may
have different policy priorities and party
affiliations.
- *Race and Ethnicity:* Racial and
ethnic identity can influence political
behavior, particularly in issues related to
racial and ethnic disparities.
- *Religion:* Religious beliefs and
affiliation can shape voting behavior,
especially on social and moral issues.
3. *Political Factors:*
- *Party Identification:* A person's
affiliation with a political party often
strongly predicts voting behavior.
Partisan voters tend to support
candidates from their own party.
- *Ideology:* Political ideology (liberal,
conservative, moderate) plays a
significant role in shaping policy
preferences and candidate choices.
- *Political Knowledge:* An
individual's level of political knowledge
can influence their voting behavior, as
more informed voters may make more
considered choices.
4. *Social and Cultural Factors:*
- *Family and Social Networks:* Family
and social influences, including
discussions and opinions within one's
social network, can shape voting
behavior.
- *Media and Information Sources:*
The media, including news outlets and
social media, can influence political
attitudes and preferences.
- *Cultural Norms:* Cultural values and
norms, including regional and local
cultures, can shape political behavior.

ADMAR JAJA