Political socialization occurs with the influence of family, friends, and the media. Does this also inspire individuals to enter public service?
Two very complex subject-matters in one question! The concept "public service" assumes a developed society, up to now we have many primitive societies were public service in the sense of "help" is managed within the clans and families. Whereas "political socialization" you find in every society resp. community. Therefore I suppose a) the answer has more to do with the standards of an developed society and its history than with the special factor of political socialization; in the cultural most developed parts of the Western world, Europe and the States, there is a basic difference with regard to the role of the state as the political centre of the "public". This is European tradition (with a highlight in the era of Absolutism). The political development of Europe in 19th century in the late consequence of French Revolution didn't change the highly important role of the state by giving citizens a certain social security. Best examples are the social reforms of Bismarck. In US we have a quite other situation historical,also political. As seen from European viewpoint America don't pamper the poor with social service. A (European) feeling that the "state" and the "public" are (in some, but not in all concern) the same, and the state as institution is responsible for sustainable social service for non-rich people is much less developed than in economic leading states of Europe, as far as I see. But this can be discussed. American social history is coined by the autonomious community, and is dominated by the idea of immediate help of fellows if help is necessary. But the difference in structure and quality of social services in different cultures are not - in my view - a result of differences in the political attitudes. In Europe you can be as an English or as a Spaniard "monarchist" through and through" (and also democratic think), in the States you are republican, regardless of wether liberal or conservative.
Dear Craig,
We may just hypothesize but research should be conducted in order to get proper answer.
Best,
Senad
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