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The American Political Landscape. Albert Einstein once said few people are capable of expressing opinions that differ much from the prejudices of their social upbringing. ETHNOCENTRISM Selective perception based on individual background, attitudes and biases. A Land of Diversity.
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Albert Einstein once said few people are capable of expressing opinions that differ much from the prejudices of their social upbringing.
ETHNOCENTRISM Selective perception based on individual background, attitudes and biases
A Land of Diversity People want to come to the United States because it holds a promise of religious, political, and economic freedom. Our economic system has provided widespread, but not universal opportunity, for individuals to improve their economic standing. Question: What was the issue passed in California with Proposition 187? Answer: It restricted public services and education to immigrants.
A Land of Diversity Some elements of our diversity have political significance. Political Socialization The process by which parents and others teach children about political values, beliefs, and attitudes. Political Predisposition A characteristic of individuals that is predictive of political behavior. Demographics The study of characteristics of populations. + =
Cleavages Reinforcing Cleavages Divisions within society that reinforce one another, making groups more homogeneous or similar. When social and economic conditions coincide, they reinforce each other and make the differences between groups more important. Cross-Cutting Cleavages Divisions within society that cut across demographic categories to produce groups more heterogeneous or different. Members of religions or social and civil groups.
A Land of Diversity Despite the fact that America has been most hospitable to people from different religions, classes or races than almost any other nation in the world, we often prefer to associate only with people “like us” and are suspicious of people “like them.” Hostility toward different religions in colonial America. Anti-woman’s rights movement of the 19th century. Anti-immigration movements in the late 19th & early 20th century. Anti-immigration and Anti-civil rights ballot initiatives of the 1990s.
Geography and National Identity Geographic isolations from the major powers of the world during our government’s formative period helps explain American politics.
Geography and National Identity Because the United States is so large, it provided Americans with the opportunity to diffuse differences over religion, social class and national origin because they could isolate themselves from one another. What was the belief called that held that the United States was destined to rule the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans? Manifest Destiny
Geography and National Identity Agricultural Interests Shipping Interests Agricultural Interests Shipping Interests Geography helps to explain our diversity Timber Interests Industrial Interests
Geography and National Identity What is the most distinct section of the United States? South From the beginning, the South was basically agricultural. It differed from the North especially over slavery. Sectional differences have moderated in the last few decades.
Geography and National Identity Although the South is changing and resembling the nation at large, they still are distinct on what issues. Moral and Religious Conservatism Before the 1970s, what gave the South the term the “solid South”? They voted solid Democratic at all levels.
Geography and National Identity What explains the reversal of the “Solid South” from Democratic to Republican? The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and Richard Nixon’s Southern Strategy of the 1970s. Republican presidential candidates have more recently emphasized family values, opposition to taxes, and law-and-order issues that appeal to conservative southern voters.
Geography and National Identity Largest growth is with an over 65 population. The Sun Belt is the fastest growing region in the United States since 1990. Largest growth is with a younger population. RUST BELT SUN BELT
Percent Change of Resident Population, 1990-2000 What are the political interests of the various regions in the country?
Reasons to move from cities to suburbs: 80% of the United States’ population lives in central cities and their suburbs. Better Housing New Transportation Systems Desire for Cleaner Air Safer Streets Avoid school busing to promote integration The migration of white Americans to the suburbs after World War II was known as -?- The migration of white Americans to the suburbs after World War II was known as “white flight.”
Problems facing cities - Only those with financial resources could migrate from the city leaving the poor behind. More than half of all African Americans now live in central cities as opposed to one-quarter of whites. More than half of all white Americans live in suburbs. Tax base of cities declines with the growing number of minorities. Tax revenues, legislative representation, zoning laws, and governmental priorities are hotly contested issues in most metropolitan areas.
Race and ethnic differences have always had political significance. Race A grouping of human beings with common characteristics presumed to be transmitted genetically. Ethnicity A social division based on national origin, religion, language, and often race. African Americans - 13% Native Americans - 1% Hispanic Americans - 10% Asian Americans - 4%
Race & Ethnicity Hispanic Americans (Latinos) Cuban Americans tend to be Republican Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans tend to be Democratic. Puerto Ricans Hispanics Cubans Hispanics
Race & Ethnicity Asian Americans • Chinese • Japanese • Korean • Vietnamese • Filipino • Thai Most of the Asian Americans have done well economically in the United States. More than 2 out of every 5 Asian Americans have graduated from college compared to 1 our of every 4 white Americans and 1 out of every 7 African Americans.
Gender and Politics What is the difference between the political opinions or political behavior of men and women called? Women are more likely to oppose any form of violence (death penalty, new weapons systems, handgun possession) Women are more compassionate than men when it comes to providing health insurance and family services Very concerned about women’s rights (enforcement of child support, punishment for sexual abuse and rape, equal treatment in the legal system) Consider work and family issues such as day care, prenatal and postnatal leave and equal treatment in the workplace as important. Gender Gap What is the “Glass Ceiling”?
Sexual Orientation Differences in sexual orientation have become important politically in recent years. The gay and lesbian community estimate their size at 10% of the population; other estimates come in much lower. Conservative think tanks estimate that 2.8% of men and 1.4% of women identify themselves as homosexual or bisexual. Vermont became the first state to enact “civil union” laws in the United States.
Sexual Orientation Political Agenda Fighting discrimination, especially the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy. Secure health care and other benefits for domestic partners. Oppose antidiscrimination policies in housing and employment practices. Support “Hate Crimes” legislation Nature? or Nurture? The Supreme Court ruled that the Boy Scouts are a private association, they can exclude gays.
Family Structure The American family has transformed from the “traditional” to “cohabitational” and “single-parent.” Although contraception is widely used and accepted, one-third of all births are now illegitimate. People marry later in life (Men at 26 and women at 24) The average marriage lasts 7.2 years with one-half ending in divorce today. In 1972, one out of every three Americans thought a woman’s place was in the home, but in 1996, only one in six feel this way.
Family Structure - Religion In recent elections, a majority of Protestants voted Republican while majorities of Catholics and Jews voted Democratic. Jews have the highest voter turnout rate of 85% in 1996 while those with no religious affiliate have the lowest with 65%. Catholics slightly out-vote Republicans.
Family Structure - Occupation The U.S. is in a “post-industrial” phase of development. A post-industrial society, being primarily a technical society, awards less on the bases of inheritance or property than on education and skill. Knowledge is the organizing device of a post-industrial society. White Collar Managers, accountants, lawyers, professionals, technicians, researchers, financiers, insurance agents, communications, and computers.
Family Structure - Social Class & Age Most Americans do not view themselves as poor or rich - just middle class. The American social structure and values fosters an emphasis on competitive individualism, an orientation that is not congruent with class consciousness, support for socialist or social democratic parties or a strong union government. Americans are living longer, a phenomenon called the “graying of America.” Population over Age 65
Family Structure - Education The vast majority of people in the United States are educated in public schools. Education is one of the most important variables in predicting political participation, confidence in dealing with government, and awareness of issues.
