ABSTRACT
Bringing together some of the insights from the previous two chapters, we might say that we all acquire knowledge about politics and that we all live within particular politico-cultural contexts. But how do we make use of our political socialisation and how to we behave in the context of our political culture(s)? On the face of it, it would appear that people express these aspects of their character in a variety of ways. Some individuals are highly active in politics; they may join political parties and canvass on behalf of particular candidates in elections or engage in administrative work in the cause of a local party organisation. Others
may join single-issue pressure groups with the aim of advancing particular causes or demands; others still may become career politicians by successfully standing for public office. In complete contrast, other people would appear to abstain completely from political activity, refusing even to vote. The study of political participation is the examination of these kinds of activity (or non-activity).
