RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION AS A POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Socialization is defined in the Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (2005), as “the process by which we learn to become members of society, both by internalizing the norms and values of society, and also by learning to perform our social roles”. Elkin and Handel (1972), defines socialization as “the process which someone learns the ways of a given society or social group so that he can function within it”. Ian Robertson (1987), defines socialization as the “process of social interaction through which people acquire personality and learn the way of life of their society”. It is through socialization that the individual learns the normative values, beliefs, skills, languages and other essential patterns of thought and action that is relevant for social life. Socialization is a process by which cultural and behavior pattern of a particular society is transmitted from one generation to another for social perpetuation. As a process of internalization, individuals are inducted and absorbed into one’s social and physical environment. All human societies have well-defined strategies for social control which includes system of values, beliefs, norms and sanctions. Value system prescribes what is intrinsically worthwhile. It has to do with social conception of what is right and wrong and what ‘ought to be’. Values are sole determinants of priorities among people’s goals and objectives. It is also the basis for self-approval or condemnation. Socialization affords the society the privilege to reproduce itself socially and biologically perpetually from one generation to another. Political socialization is the process by which citizens learn about political leaders, governmental institutions, and political processes, and acquire their political beliefs and practices.

Socialization is developmental in nature. As individuals mature from youth to adulthood, and even during the latter, they continue to learn new political information. This ongoing process of learning serves to shape values, political commitments, and political skills, which in turn determine which policies, candidates, and political parties are favored. Put another way, the socialization process provides the conceptual tools needed to render judgment on political matters.

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

The poor level of political socialization evident in the country today has led to the poor political development and awareness in Nigeria. Political socialization is of critical importance to national development just like in the advanced nations. The poor participation of religious organizations in achieving political socialization has also contributed to the poor political development in the country; this lack of socialization has contributed to violence in elections.