ABSTRACT
A politically organized society had the same maintenance needs and consequently had an additional function: the political socialization of the young. Political socialization is the gradual learning of the norms, attitudes, and behavior accepted and practiced by the ongoing political system. The goal of political socialization is to so train or develop individuals that they become well-functioning members of the political society. Old and new nations today are faced with the problem of rapid political change. This change has brought about disruption of old familial social patterns, ideological orientations, and economic conditions, to name but a few. Political socialization is a learning process which begins very early and is most influenced by the same agents or forces which influence all social behavior: first and foremost, the family. Then socially relevant groups or institutions, such as school, church, and social class; and finally—last but not least—society at large and the political culture it fosters.
