Recent research in the area of public opinion has focused most of its attention on the effect of the mass media, television in particular, as an influencing agent. The author argues that media effects are only half of the equation; the mass media cannot be seen as the exclusive source of political information. In a model of `total information flow', the media must share the political information environment with interpersonal communication. This volume bridges the gap between media and interpersonal communication and their combined effect on political attitudes and cognition.

This book uses surveys, statistics, and case studies to explain why and how cultural norms affect political attitudes and behavior.

Using longitudinal data from the Swiss Household Panel to zoom in on continuity and change in the life course, this open access book describes how the lives of the Swiss population have changed in terms of health, family circumstances, work, political participation, and migration over the last sixteen years. What are the different trajectories in terms of mobility, health, wealth, and family constellations? What are the drivers behind all these changes over time and in the life course? And what are the implications for inequality in society and for social policy? The Swiss Household Panel is a unique ongoing longitudinal survey that has followed a large sample of Swiss households since 1999. The data provide the rare opportunity to go beyond a snapshot of contemporary Swiss society and give insight into the processes in people’s lives and in society that lie behind recent developments.

Understanding political behavior is vital for those interested in political science, public policy, or social dynamics. This guide covers psychological, sociological, and rational choice theories, offering insights into how individuals and groups engage with political processes. 1-Theories of Political Behavior-Overview of primary theories explaining political behavior, laying the groundwork for future chapters. 2-Opinion Poll-Learn methodologies and significance of opinion polls in gauging public sentiment and predicting elections. 3-Philip Converse-Explore Philip Converse's contributions to political behavior, focusing on mass belief systems and sophistication. 4-Political Campaign-Understand strategies and psychological tactics in campaigns that influence voter behavior and decision-making. 5-Voter Turnout-Examine factors affecting voter turnout, including social, economic, and political influences on democracy. 6-Independent Voter-Delve into independent voters' characteristics and behaviors, crucial in elections and political dynamics. 7-Party Identification-Discover how party identification shapes political attitudes and serves as a heuristic for decision-making. 8-Political Apathy-Investigate causes and consequences of political apathy, and how disengagement affects democratic participation. 9-Voting Behavior-Analyze models of voting behavior for a nuanced understanding of voter motivations. 10-Political Polarization in the US-Explore the growing divide in American politics, its origins, and its impact on governance and cohesion. 11-Republican Party (US)-Insights into the history, ideology, and voter base of the Republican Party in US politics. 12-Hispanic and Latino Americans-Understand political attitudes and behaviors of Hispanic and Latino Americans and their influence. 13-Hispanic and Latino Americans in Politics-Delve into political participation and representation of Hispanic and Latino Americans. 14-Voter Turnout in US Presidential Elections-Analyze historical voter turnout trends and their determinants in presidential elections. 15-Genopolitics-Explore genopolitics, studying the genetic basis of political behavior. 16-LGBT Demographics of the US-Examine political attitudes and participation of LGBT individuals in the US 17-Biology and Political Orientation-Investigate biological factors that influence political orientation and behavior. 18-Michigan Model-Learn about the Michigan Model emphasizing party identification, candidate evaluation, and issues. 19-Latino Vote-Understand the Latino vote's significance in US elections and influencing factors. 20-Sexism in American Political Elections-Explore how sexism affects campaigns, candidate evaluation, and voter behavior in the US 21-Demographics of the Democratic Party (US)-Insights into the demographic composition and behavior of Democratic Party supporters.

"Despite dramatic social transformations in the United States during the last 150 years, the South has remained staunchly conservative. Southerners are more likely to support Republican candidates, gun rights, and the death penalty, and southern whites harbor higher levels of racial resentment than whites in other parts of the country. Why haven't these sentiments evolved or changed? Deep Roots shows that the entrenched political and racial views of contemporary white southerners are a direct consequence of the region's slaveholding history, which continues to shape economic, political, and social spheres. Today, southern whites who live in areas once reliant on slavery--compared to areas that were not--are more racially hostile and less amenable to policies that could promote black progress. Highlighting the connection between historical institutions and contemporary political attitudes, the authors explore the period following the Civil War when elite whites in former bastions of slavery had political and economic incentives to encourage the development of anti-black laws and practices. Deep Roots shows that these forces created a local political culture steeped in racial prejudice, and that these viewpoints have been passed down over generations, from parents to children and via communities, through a process called behavioral path dependence. While legislation such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act made huge strides in increasing economic opportunity and reducing educational disparities, southern slavery has had a profound, lasting, and self-reinforcing influence on regional and national politics that can still be felt today. A groundbreaking look at the ways institutions of the past continue to sway attitudes of the present, Deep Roots demonstrates how social beliefs persist long after the formal policies that created those beliefs have been eradicated."--Jacket.

This theory explores the critical role formative years play in shaping lifelong political attitudes and behaviors. "Impressionable Years Hypothesis" explains how early life experiences influence political ideologies, making it essential for understanding political identity development. Gain a deeper understanding of how political beliefs are formed, solidified, and influenced through life stages. Whether you're a student, professional, or enthusiast, this book provides insights into the psychological and social foundations of political behavior. 1: Impressionable Years Hypothesis: Learn the core theory of how early experiences shape political attitudes. 2: Political Socialization: Explore how family, education, and society influence political values. 3: Group Polarization: Understand how group discussions intensify political opinions. 4: Selective Exposure Theory: Discover how people favor information that aligns with their beliefs. 5: Theories of Political Behavior: Study theories behind political participation and psychological influences. 6: Political Psychology: Examine the role of personality and cognition in political behavior. 7: Party Identification: Analyze how political loyalty forms in the impressionable years. 8: Youth Culture: Investigate how youth culture shapes political identity. 9: Baby Boomers: Explore the political behaviors of the Baby Boomer generation. 10: Millennials: Discover how Millennials’ experiences shape their political attitudes. 11: Political Spectrum: Understand where political ideologies fall on the spectrum. 12: Generation: Study how formative experiences create generational political identities. 13: Young Adult: Learn how early adulthood solidifies political beliefs. 14: Political Party Strength in U.S. States: Assess how early experiences influence state-level party strength. 15: Independent Voter: Explore how independent voters differ from party-affiliated individuals. 16: Religious Identity: Study the intersection of religion and political identity. 17: Theodore Newcomb: Learn about Newcomb’s contributions to political psychology. 18: Political Identity: Delve into the lifelong impact of political identity formation. 19: Voter Segments in Political Polling: Understand how early socialization affects voter segmentation. 20: Political Cognition: Study how cognition in formative years shapes political thought. 21: Political Views of Generation Z: Explore the emerging political beliefs of Generation Z. Designed for professionals, students, and anyone curious about the Impressionable Years Hypothesis, this book provides a comprehensive look into how early experiences shape lifelong political identities. Ideal for those looking to go beyond the basics of political behavior and identity formation.