4.3 Changes in Ideology

There are many aspects that can define an individual’s political ideology. Factors such as religious, ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds are seen to be very important when analyzing the political ideologies of groups, according to political scientists. There are some consistent trends when it comes to groups and their respective ideologies, but it is possible that one's political attitudes change. The AP US Government exam explores two drivers of such changes: generational and lifecycle effects.

Generational Effects

Generational effects can play a significant role in shaping an individual's political ideology. A person's experiences, exposure to political and social events, and cultural influences during their formative years can shape their political beliefs and values.

Historical events

Historical events can have a profound impact on a person's political views. For example, someone who grew up during the Great Depression or World War II may hold more socialist or government interventionist views as a result of these events. During the Great Depression, many people experienced economic hardship and poverty, and this may have led them to believe that government intervention was necessary to help people in need. Similarly, someone who lived through World War II may have seen the power of government to mobilize resources and protect citizens, leading to a belief in a strong central government.

Social and cultural influences

The cultural and social norms prevalent during a person's upbringing can also shape their political views. For instance, someone who grew up in a conservative, religious community may be more likely to adopt conservative political views that align with the values and beliefs of their community. On the other hand, someone who grew up in a liberal, progressive community may be more likely to adopt liberal political views that align with the values and beliefs of their community. In addition to social and cultural influences, media and technology can also play a role in shaping a person's political views. For example, if a person grows up in an era where the internet and social media are widely available, they may have access to a wider range of perspectives and information than someone who grew up in an earlier era.

Family and peer influence

Family and peers can also play a significant role in shaping a person's political views. If a person grows up in a politically active family or social circle, they may be exposed to particular political views and ideas from an early age. This exposure can help shape a person's political identity, and may also make them more likely to participate in political activities, such as voting or joining political organizations. In addition, if a person has close friends or family members who hold political views that are different from their own, they may be exposed to alternative perspectives and ideas, which can also shape their political views.

Lifecycle effects

Lifecycle effects refer to the way that a person's political views can change over the course of their life as they age and experience different stages of life.

Age

Age is a powerful predictor of political views and can have a significant impact on a person's political ideology over the course of their life. Young people are often more idealistic, open-minded, and willing to embrace change, which can make them more likely to adopt liberal political views. As people age, they may become more established in their careers and families, which can lead to a greater focus on stability, security, and tradition, and a corresponding shift towards more conservative political views. This is often seen as a reflection of a desire to protect the status quo and preserve established ways of life. However, it's worth noting that not all older people are conservative, and that individual experiences, values, and beliefs can play a significant role in shaping political views.

Family formation

Family formation can also have a significant impact on political attitudes, particularly for people who have children. When people become parents, they may become more focused on providing for their families and ensuring their children's future, which can lead to a greater emphasis on stability, security, and responsibility. This can drive a shift toward more conservative political views, as people seek to protect the traditional family structure and ensure that their children have the best possible future. At the same time, people who are not yet parents may be more likely to adopt liberal views, as they are less focused on the responsibilities of parenthood and more focused on exploring new ideas and opportunities.

Carreer and financial stability

Career and financial stability can also play a significant role in shaping political views. People who have secure careers and established financial futures may be more focused on stability and security and may be more likely to adopt conservative views. They may place a greater emphasis on fiscal responsibility and may be less likely to support government programs that they see as potentially disrupting the stability they have worked hard to achieve. On the other hand, people who are just starting out in their careers or who are struggling to secure their financial futures may be more likely to support government programs that provide assistance and security and may be more likely to adopt liberal views.

Retirement

Retirement can also have a profound impact on political attitudes, as people who have reached this stage of life may become more focused on issues such as social security and healthcare. In their retirement years, people may be more focused on ensuring that they have a secure and comfortable standard of living, and may place a greater emphasis on government programs that provide assistance and support. This can lead to a shift towards more liberal political views, as people seek to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to live comfortably in their later years. At the same time, people who are just entering retirement may be more likely to adopt conservative views, as they may be more focused on preserving the stability they have worked hard to achieve and less focused on government programs.