Political identity is a form of social identity marking membership of certain groups that share a common struggle for a certain form of power. This can include identification with a political party,[1] but also positions on specific political issues, nationalism,[2] inter-ethnic relations or more abstract ideological themes.[3]
Political identities develop in individuals and evolve over time. A significant amount of research has focused on parental influence on the political identity of individuals. In addition to the socialisation of politics through the family, the influence on the political identity of personal factors such as genetics or certain personality traits, has also been the subject of much debate.
In the course of their lives and experiences, some individuals take particular political trajectories and sometimes change their political identity. Militancy and radicalisation are two forms and expressions that political identities can take.
Apart from family and personal influences, there are also more general factors that can have an impact on an individual's political identity. Every person is part of a historical context, a culture, a political system and a generation, all of which influence the way people perceive politics.
Political identities underpin a range of behaviours and have many implications, such as collective political mobilisation and voting behaviour.
- ^ Greene, Steven (2004). "Social Identity Theory and Party Identification*". Social Science Quarterly. 85 (1): 136–153. doi:10.1111/j.0038-4941.2004.08501010.x. ISSN 0038-4941.
- ^ Azzi, A. (1998). "From competitive interests, perceived injustice, and identity needs to collective action : Psychological mechanisms in ethnic nationalism". In Dandeker, C. (ed.). Violence and nationalism. New York: Transaction Press. pp. 73–138.
- ^ Noël, A.; Thérien, J. P. (2008). Left and Right in Global Politics. New York: Cambridge University Press. pp. 48–54. ISBN 978-0-521-70583-7.