Family Politicization and Adolescents' Citizenship Orientations

Abstract

This study examines the effect of the degree of family politicization on several citizenship orientations of adolescents. The research population consisted of 734 respondents, ages 14-18, who were students in both academic and vocation schools inthG greater T61-Aviv area. Degree of family politicization Was assessed using three sub-scales: parents' own involvement; the extent to which parents and children discuss politics, and the degree to which parents encourage their children to take an active public role in school and in youth organizations. Citizenship orientations included the perception of the citizen role as active vs. passive, and as restricted to the political sphere vs. as a broader commitment to one' community and society. Also included were political efficacy, supPort of freedom of speech, and political involvement. A path model measuring the effects of social and personal background variables and of family politicization was tested. The major findings indicate that respondents' age and S.E.S. [socioeconomic status] were related to their perceived degree of family politicization. The older the respondents and the lower their S.E.S., the greater the tendency to report .of lower family politicization. Concerning the effects of family politicization upon the perception of the citizen role, none of the path coefficients was statistically significant, and the percentage of explained variance was low. Concerning the other citizenship orientations, family politicization had significant effects. The higher the degree of family politicization,,the greater the political efficacy and involvement of the respondents, and the lower their support of freedom of speech. (Author)

An empirical exploration of factors related to adolescents’ political efficacy

“…People tend to have higher political efficacy if they are older (Koch, 1993;Wu, 2003), more educated (Ichilov, 1988;Wolfsfeld, 2006), from families with higher socio-economic status (Lambert et al, 1986) or more intelligent (Carmines & Baxter, 1986;Jackman, 1970). Some studies also suggest that ethnicity is related to political efficacy (Campbell et al, 1954;Takei & Kleiman, 1976), but other studies indicate that ethnicity's effect might be context specific (Emig, Hesse & Fisher, 1996;Wu, 2003).…”

“…For example, identifying with a political party (Louis, Taylor & Neil, 2004), especially the party in power (Lambert, Curtis, Brown & Kay, 1986), tends to strengthen one's political efficacy. Family politicisation also seems to have an impact; when children believe that their parents are interested in political issues, they develop higher political efficacy than other children (Ichilov, 1988;Langton & Karns, 1969). Researchers have also found that people have higher political efficacy if they feel more closely connected to their communities through personal relationships (Steinberger, 1981) or if they identify strongly with a particular demographic group (Koch, 1993).…”

Toward fostering environmental political participation: framing an agenda for environmental education research

“…Family politicization also seems to help. When children believe that their parents are interested in political issues, they develop higher political efficacy than other children (Ichilov 1988;Langton and Karns 1969). Researchers have also found that individuals have higher political efficacy if they feel more closely connected to their communities through personal relationships (Steinberger 1981) or if they identify strongly with a particular demographic group (Koch 1993 youth's political interest (Levy 2011).…”

“…For example, studies have consistently found that socioeconomic status, especially educational level, has a strong impact on one's political efficacy (Almond and Verba 1963;Ichilov 1988;Koch 1993;Lambert et al 1986;Scott and Acock 1979;Wolfsfeld 2006). In addition, individuals develop greater political efficacy as they grow older (Campbell, Gurin, and Miller 1954;Koch 1993;Wu 2003).…”

Second Shifts and Political Awakenings

“…Some studies argue for politicization through other outlets, such as family (Ichilov, 1988), friends, coworkers, and peers, news media (Jones, 1981), educational settings (Eitzen & Brouillette, 1979), and workplace environment (Gandz & Murray, 1980). Pettey's (1988) study adds that the perceived politicization of family, friends, and coworkers affected perceptions of one's social environment, political knowledge, and political participation.…”