Understanding a Diverse Society - Essay Example

The strength of the political culture of a country depends on the extent to which these agents of socialization can help to teach the people about certain societal rules, values, and expectations (Anderson & Taylor, 2007). Generally, the masses tend to follow the agent of socialization that inspires them politically (Brinkerhoff, White & Ortega, 2007). The mass media, for example, helps to disseminate information about the things that go on in the political mainstream of the country and it is what they give to the people that the people take.

Thus, agents of socialization play a great role in shaping an individual’s political culture. The agent of socialization that has had the greatest influence in shaping my views about the government is the family. The reason is not far-fetched. They say charity begins at home and my perception about the government actually begins with the opinion of my immediate family. This is due to the fact that my family is the closest agent of socialization to me and I hear their views and opinion about the government through our dinner talks and general discussions at home.

Thus, any opinion that I have formed about the government could easily be traced to the discussions and debates I have had with my family. My parents have had a major influence in my perception of the government and this shows the extent at which, the family as an agent of socialization has had the greatest influence in shaping my perception about government.