Localism, nationalism, religion and ethnicity
One sort of division which seems to be almost universal in larger
political systems is what Allardt and Littunen (1964) have termed
vertical lines of division – those between localities, regions and, in
some cases, national areas within states. It can be argued that, other
things being equal, the nearer people live together, and hence the
more communication and, probably, economic and social inter-
dependence there is between them, the more they are likely to
perceive themselves as having interests in common. Hence people
in the village of Haworth may see themselves first as Haworth
residents, then perhaps as people from the Bradford area or West
Riding, almost certainly as Yorkshire folk, as English, as British, and
possibly as Europeans too. Political (or sporting!) divisions may arise
PROCESSES 107Table 5.2 Typical research findings: political cultureAgreeing (%)
USA UK Germany Italy Mexico
Participation/Parochialism:
‘National govt. has great 41 33 38 23 7
effect on daily life’Trust/Distrust:
‘Most people can be trusted’ 55 49 19 7 30Hierarchy – acceptance/
resentment:
‘Expect equal consideration 48 59 53 35 14
from bureaucracy’
Can affect an unjust law 75 62 38 28 38Liberty – toleration/coercion:
Against cross-party marriage 4 12+ 58*Loyalty:
Most proud of government/ 85 46 7 3 30
political institutions
Source: Almond and Verba (1963)
+ = Conservative/Labour
* = Christian Democrat/Communist