Personality and the Foundations of Political Behavior

Personality and the Foundations of Political Behavior (Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Political Psychology)

by Joshua Cole

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Language	:	English
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Cambridge Studies in Political Psychology

Personality and the Foundations of Political Behavior is a book that explores the relationship between personality and political behavior. It is written by John T. Jost, a professor of psychology at New York University. The book is divided into three parts.

The first part provides an overview of the field of political psychology and discusses the different ways that personality can be measured and assessed. The second part examines the relationship between personality and political ideology, political participation, and political attitudes. The third part discusses the implications of the research on personality and political behavior for the understanding of political behavior and the development of public policy.

Overview of the Field of Political Psychology

Political psychology is a field of study that examines the psychological factors that influence political behavior. These factors include personality, social identity, political socialization, and political attitudes. Political psychology is a relatively new field of study, but it has grown rapidly in recent years. This growth is due in part to the increasing recognition of the importance of psychological factors in understanding political behavior.

One of the most important findings of political psychology is that personality is a significant predictor of political behavior. This finding has been replicated in numerous studies, and it is now well-established that personality is a major factor in shaping political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

There are a number of different ways to measure personality. One of the most common methods is the Five-Factor Model (FFM). The FFM is a personality model that identifies five broad personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience.

Research has shown that each of the Big Five personality traits is associated with different political attitudes and behaviors. For example, extraverts are more likely to be politically active and to participate in politics. Agreeable individuals are more likely to be tolerant of dissent and to support social welfare programs. Conscientious individuals are more likely to be politically informed and to vote. Neurotic individuals are more likely to be politically anxious and to support authoritarian leaders. Open individuals are more likely to be politically liberal and to support environmental protection.

The Relationship Between Personality and Political Ideology

One of the most important relationships that political psychologists have studied is the relationship between personality and political ideology. Political ideology is a set of beliefs about the role of government and the relationship between the individual and the state. There are two main types of political ideologies: liberalism and conservatism.

Liberals believe that the government has a responsibility to promote social and economic equality. They support policies such as social welfare programs, environmental protection, and gun control. Conservatives believe that the government should play a limited role in society. They support policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong military.

Research has shown that personality is a significant predictor of political ideology. Individuals who are high in extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience are more likely to be liberal. Individuals who are high in conscientiousness and neuroticism are more likely to be conservative.

The Relationship Between Personality and Political Participation

Personality is also a significant predictor of political participation. Political participation refers to any activity that is intended to influence government policy or the selection of government officials. There are many different forms of political participation, including voting, running for office, campaigning for candidates, and donating money to political campaigns.

Research has shown that individuals who are high in extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are more likely to participate in politics. Individuals who are high in neuroticism are less likely to participate in politics.

The Relationship Between Personality and Political Attitudes

Personality is also a significant predictor of political attitudes. Political attitudes are beliefs about specific political issues. There are many different political issues, such as abortion, gun control, and immigration.

Research has shown that individuals who are high in extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience are more likely to have liberal political attitudes. Individuals who are high in conscientiousness and neuroticism are more likely to have conservative political attitudes.

The Implications of the Research on Personality and Political Behavior

The research on personality and political behavior has a number of important implications for the understanding of political behavior and the development of public policy. First, the research shows that personality is a significant predictor of political behavior. This means that personality can be used to help explain why people have different political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

Second, the research shows that personality is a relatively stable trait. This means that personality is not likely to change much over time. This makes personality a good predictor of future political behavior.

Third, the research shows that personality is only one factor that influences political behavior. Other factors, such as social identity, political socialization, and political attitudes, also play a role in shaping political behavior.

The research on personality and political behavior has a number of important implications for the development of public policy. First, the research shows that personality can be used to help target public policy messages. For example, if a public policy campaign is aimed at increasing political participation, it is important to target the campaign to individuals who are high in extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

Second, the research shows that personality can be used

Personality and the Foundations of Political Behavior (Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Political Psychology)

by Joshua Cole

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2600 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE