In 1986, J. Glass argued that a parent’s political orientation is the strongest determining factor in predicting a child’s future political preferences (i.e., most (or many) Republicans grew up in Republican-leaning households and most (or many) Democrats grew up in Democrat-leaning households).  See Attitude similarity in three generational families: Socialization, status inheritance, or reciprocal influence? American Sociological Review , Vol 51, 685-698 (1986).  You can access the article using the hyperlink below.  Please read it as part of your response to the essay questions:

1.   In your opinion (and experience) did Glass correctly identify the primary source of our collective “political socialization?” 

2.   What other sources or factors influence our political preferences?

3.   Glass’s article was published in 1986.  In your opinion, is political socialization today largely similar to political socialization in 1986?  If so, how is it similar?  If not, how is it different?  What implications do your observations have for political candidates, organizations, and/or institutions?

4.   What aspects of your reading in our course text help you to understand political socialization differently than you did prior to beginning our class?

Your essay must be between 4-6 pages in length, be double-spaced with standard (1-inch) margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.  Your essay will be graded on a scale of 0-100.