Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire their political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through interactions with family, peers, education systems, media, and other socializing agents.
Related terms
Agents of Socialization: Institutions or individuals such as family members, schools, religious organizations, and media that play a role in shaping an individual's political socialization.
Generational Effect: The impact on an individual's political attitudes based on the historical events they experienced during their formative years.
Peer Group Influence: The influence exerted by one's friends or peers in shaping their political opinions and behaviors.