PSYCHOLOGY OF DEMOCRACY

Democracies require citizens to tolerate the political participation of those whose hold unpopular views.

Political Tolerance

    Internalization of Democratic Values
   
        Abstract Norms vs. Concrete Situations

    Perception of Threat

        Ideas and Activities of Unpopular Groups
        Portrayal of Unpopular Ideas and Activities

    Personality

        Psychological Insecurity
        The Big Five

Democracies require citizens to participate in the political system.

Civic Culture

    Interpersonal Trust
    Pride in Political Institutions
    Broad Political Self-efficacy

Factors that Enhance Democratic Participation
    
    Cognitive Mobilization

        Skills and Motivation To Make Decisions

    Post-materialism    

        Valuing Personal Autonomy and Quality of Life

Factors that Sustain Democracy

    Interpersonal Trust    

        Trusting One’s Fellow Citizens and the Political System

    Life Satisfaction

        Barometer of Political Legitimacy

Social Capital

“…features of social organization, such as trust, norms, and networks, that can improve the efficiency of society by facilitating coordinated actions” (Putnam, 1993, p. 167).

    Membership and Participation in Volunteer Organizations

        Horizontal vs. Vertical Organizations

        Causal Outcomes

            Interpersonal Trust
            Generalized Norms of Reciprocity
            Ability to Organize/Act Collectively

        Moderators
        
            Loose vs. Tight Organizations
            Homogenous vs. Diverse Membership

DISCUSSION:

➢    Why has Russia become less democratic according to what is known about political tolerance and civic culture?

➢    Will China become democratic given the strengthening of conditions that typically enhance democratic participation?

➢    How can we teach tolerance and prepare youngsters to participate as democratic citizens?