Political socialisation of local body leaders: A study

Abstract

This research paper attempts to analyze the political socialization process among gram Panchayat Sarpanches (Village Head). In turning the differences in their social backgrounds and their consequent life experiences to meaningful role perception, citizens consider many important issues while arriving at the threshold of decision-making. They consider (i) whether the influence exerted by social differences convey enough information for the individual to choose their preferences and/or applies pressure for compliance; (ii) whether social differences direct toward a broad social outcome or a particularized interest; (iii) whether the social differences generate intense or low degree of conflict; (iv) whether the amount of effort and initiative required to offset the social differences must be stupendous or negligible; and (v) whether the amount of co-operation with others requires retention of any group identity or obliteration of it. These considerations make the citizens choose between the widely differing social circumstances and the coherent new role perception.