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Political Ideology and Subjective Culture: Conceptualization and Empirical Assessment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 1982

Lorand B. Szalay  and
Rita Mae Kelly
Lorand B. Szalay
Affiliation:
Institute of Comparative Social and Cultural Studies
Rita Mae Kelly
Affiliation:
Arizona State University
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Abstract

Ideology and subjective culture are examined as two systems of behavioral organization well known for their hidden but frequently powerful influences on political choices and behavior. After a brief sketch of a representational theory of behavioral organization, a research strategy based on inferences drawn from the distribution of thousands of free word associations is described and illustrated with results from several international studies. Findings on Slovenian images and frame of reference demonstrate the effects of Marxist doctrines. Korean and American data illustrate differences that are predominantly psychocultural. The analytic method outlined suggests new capabilities for studying ideology and its influence on people's perceptions, their system of representation of the world, and their organization of behavior. It may be used to assess predispositions to adopt democratic principles and procedures. It might also be used to assess the influence of ideological doctrines and their degree of integration with the cultural views and frame of reference. The most natural use will probably be in research in the field of international understanding and communication.

Type
Research Article
Information
American Political Science Review , Volume 76 , Issue 3 , September 1982 , pp. 585 - 602
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 1982

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