Models of Political Man Cover Image

Modeli političkog čovjeka
Models of Political Man

Author(s): Kosta Bovan
Subject(s): Electoral systems, Political behavior, Political psychology, History and theory of political science
Published by: Fakultet političkih znanosti u Zagrebu
Keywords: Political Man; Political Belief; Political Behaviour;Voting Behaviour; Elections;

Summary/Abstract: Reflections on political systems are necessarily based on some sort of model of political man – an individual who thinks, decides, discusses, and participates in politics. This paper offers a review of modern conceptions of political man structured in five models. The personality model highlights the importance of childhood experiences for political behavior and belief in adulthood; the sociological model highlights the importance of primary and interest groups; the sociopsychological model highlights the importance of party identification; the rational economic model highlights the efficiency of thought and self-interest;while the cognitive model highlights the citizens’ mental capabilities.The main assumptions, methodology, and findings for each model are presented in the paper. Also, implications for democratic processes for each model are explained. The conclusion offers a critical survey of the current state of research on political man, as well as recommendations for further research.

  • Issue Year: LII/2015
  • Issue No: 03
  • Page Range: 77-101
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Croatian