The general objective of this study is to examine the relationship between political socialization and political participation in Nigeria. Political Socialization is a process by which citizenship orientation are formed, transmitted and conditioned by development in the political, social and economic realities of a given political entity, shapes the political beaviour and disposition of the citizenry. Hooghe (2004), holds that through political socialization, people of all ages are put through the process teaching and learning about all aspect of political system. this knowledge acquired through socialization, shapes the character of the citizenry and forms their orientation towards participating in politics or being apathetic to the whole political process. Thus it can be inferred that political participation in any given social-political system is conditioned greatly by the form of political socialization acquired over time. Ntalaja (2004), observes in the same vein that the level of political socialization and attachment that citizens have towards their countries is a function of ability or readiness of the country to justify the essence of its existence and fundamentally embarking on proactive citizenship education.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study:
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem:
1.3 Objectives of the Study:
1.4 Research Questions:
1.5 Scope/Delimitation of the Study:
1.6 Significance of the Study:
1.7 Research Methodology:
1.7.1 Research Design:
1.7.2 Description of the Research Population:
1.7.3 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques:
1.7.4 Data and Instrument of Data Collection:
1.7.5 Instrumentation and Pilot Study:
1.7.6 Data Analysis:
1.7.7 Limitations of the Methodology:
1.8 Definition of Concepts/Terms:
CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.2 The Concept of Socialization:
2.3 The Concept of Political Socialization:
2.3.1 Methods of Political Socialization:
2.3.2 Aims of Socialization:
2.3.3 Agents of Political Socialization:
2.4 The concept of Democracy:
2.5 The Concept of Political Participation:
2.6 The nexus between Political Socialization and Political Participation:
2.6.1 Factors that Affect Political Participation:
2.7 Theoretical Framework:
2.7.1 Criticism:
CHAPTER THREE THE POLITICAL AND CULTURAL PROFILE OF BENUE STATE
3.1 History of Area of Study:
3.2 Location:
3.3 Mineral Resources:
3.4 People/Culture of Benue State:
3.5 Education in Benue State:
3.6 Traditional Rulers:
3.7 Resources, Leadership and Development in Benue State:
3.8 Benue State and Political Socialization:
2.9 Political Participation in Benue State:
3.10 Challenges Confronting Benue State:
CHAPTER FOUR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE
4.1 Test of Research Questions
4.2 The relationship between political socialization and political participation:
4.3 Political socialization in Benue State
4.4 Factors responsible for political socialization and participation in Benue State
4.5 Democratic consolidation in Benue State:
4.6 Discussion of Findings on Political Development in Benue State
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary:
5.2 Conclusion:
5.3 Recommendations:
Research Objectives and Themes
The research investigates the relationship between political socialization and political participation within Benue State, Nigeria, aiming to understand how these processes influence democratic consolidation and citizen engagement. It explores the barriers, such as poverty and lack of political awareness, that impede effective participation and hinder democratic development.
- The role of family, school, and media as primary agents of political socialization.
- The impact of socioeconomic status and poverty on political apathy.
- The correlation between political knowledge and the quality of electoral choices.
- The challenges to democratic consolidation, including electoral violence and lack of transparency.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the study
Nigeria as it exists today is a function of colonial creation. Though Nigeria is a product of colonial intelligence, the entities which form the present Nigerian state, existed separately, before their contact with the West. This contact which is basically seen from the standpoint of socio-economic, scientific and religious factors resulted into the amalgamation of 1914, which incidentally marked the birth of Nigeria as a single entity. Colonial administration in Nigeria negated and relegated to the background the freedom of choice of the colonial people. This denial which was mostly felt in political, social and economic sphere formed the basis of antagonism from Nigerians and subsequently gingered efforts to reverse this political impasse. The colonial government indeed controlled every aspect of the colonial economy, tightly, to maintain its power and domination so as to realize the economic objectives of colonization. This draconian condition did not allow Nigerians freedom to engage in full-fledged politics as efforts were reduced to mere protest and writing of petitions to the colonial authority in London for change.
This agrees with Nnoli, (2011)’s view that colonialism, like all forms of imperialism is a very reactionary force. It mutilates the full collective personality of its victims, humiliates them in various ways, exploits them viciously, takes undue advantage of their weakness and inhumanly disorients them, thereby distorting their lives. In fact, it denies them any claim to full human existence, using its power to reduce them to a subhuman standard of living. In the process, it destroys their individual and collective creative genius, rendering them subject to the whims and caprices of the creative genius of other peoples in a way totally alien to men/women’s humanity. The colonial state in pursuit of colonial interests, throws all caution and morality to the wind, and does not hesitate to use violent instruments and dubious devices to achieve its mission, (Nnoli, 2011b:40). According to him, Nigerians in varying degrees mobilized to fight for power of recognition by the various colonial constitutions and freedom from the imperial grip where necessary.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the research background, defines the core problem regarding political participation in Benue State, and outlines the methodological approach used for the study.
CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: This section explores existing theories on political socialization, democracy, and participation, establishing the conceptual basis for the analysis using a political economy approach.
CHAPTER THREE THE POLITICAL AND CULTURAL PROFILE OF BENUE STATE: This chapter contextualizes the study by detailing the historical, political, and cultural landscape of Benue State, highlighting key challenges and resources.
CHAPTER FOUR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE: This chapter presents the data analysis and findings regarding the relationship between socialization, participation, and democratic consolidation in the region.
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The final chapter synthesizes the main research findings, offers a conclusion on the state of democracy in Benue, and provides recommendations for policy improvements.
Keywords
Political Socialization, Political Participation, Benue State, Nigeria, Democracy, Electoral Process, Colonialism, Political Culture, Socioeconomic Status, Democratic Consolidation, Political Mobilization, Governance, Electioneering, Voter Apathy, Political Institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work examines the intersection of political socialization and political participation in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Benue State, to understand why political apathy persists despite the transition to democracy.
What are the core thematic areas covered?
The study centers on the influence of agents like family, school, and media, the impact of socioeconomic factors, the nature of political mobilization, and the challenges of democratic consolidation.
What is the main objective of the study?
The research aims to determine the relationship between political socialization and participation, identify factors responsible for current levels of engagement, and assess how these elements impact democratic consolidation in Benue State.
What research methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a descriptive survey design, collecting data through questionnaires from 400 respondents, which are then analyzed using statistical tools like Mean Ratings and Standard Deviation.
What is addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body details the historical background of Nigerian politics, provides a literature review on socialization and democracy, profiles Benue State, and performs an empirical analysis of findings from the administered questionnaires.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Political Socialization, Political Participation, Benue State, Democracy, and Electoral Process.
How does the author define political socialization?
The author defines it as the process through which political culture, including attitudes, values, and norms, is transmitted across generations, impacting an individual's political behavior and identity.
What role does religion play in Benue State politics according to this study?
Religion acts as a potent instrument for mobilization; religious institutions and leaders are influential in shaping political loyalties and often become involved in electioneering support, sometimes complicating the political environment.
Why does the author argue that the current political system in Benue State struggles?
The author identifies factors such as bad leadership, poverty, high levels of illiteracy, and a culture where political power is sought for personal privilege rather than public service as primary causes for political failure.
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- Simon Ogoyi (Autor:in), 2017, Political socialization and political participation in Nigeria. A study of Benue State, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1031572
