Emotional Influences
Pulitzer prize–winning American poet, Archibald MacLeish defined freedom as "the right to choose: the right to create for oneself the alternatives of choice." 48 However, as we have already discussed, our choices are innate derivatives of our experiences. 49 Our choices are emotional valuations of those experiences. Many political scientists have operated under the assumption that political votes are selfish votes…which candidate has the most potential to benefit me? Decades of research has reflected this belief. 50 However, when I stand in the voting booth, preparing to make my mark, is my choice truly my choice or actually a manifestation of the wants and needs of my social network?
Individualism
The United States was founded upon the ideal of the right of the individual vote, the role of "I". We remain one of the world's most individualistic societies in the world. 51 In our individualist society, we focus upon individual choice very early in life, asking children to make a choice, Cheerios or Lucky Charms, this toy or that one, Jordans or Adidas? This is a scaffolded approach to teaching decision–making skills. Yet, despite the protracted, concentrated focus on individual choice, studies have shown we tend to make decisions, particularly vote, with regard to our social networks. 52
Collectivism
Collectivist cultures focus upon the "we" in decision making. Individuals within a collectivist culture view themselves in relation to the groups to which they belong (family, job, church, socio–economic group, race, culture). These individuals are motivated by and give precedence to the priorities of the collective. In fact their identities are shaped by their relationship to the community. The individual is not powerless, but he is willing to sacrifice his own needs for the good of the whole. 53 Duty plays a starring role in a collectivist culture. You are brought up to do what your parents or elders ask of you because they know better. Christakis and Fowler in Connected: The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives maintain that how and why we vote has everything to do with our "embeddedness in groups and with the power of our social networks, whether that group or network be racial, regional, religious, or political." 54 Put another way, birds of a feather, flock together. 55
The issue the social contract philosophers have not ever fully rectified is that people (no matter age, geography, or socio–economic level) feel a very strong emotional connection and obligation to their particular community. When faced with a dilemma, this connection/obligation forces one to ask themselves where their loyalties lie? With themselves or with their community? 56Again, anyone who has had experience with adolescents can visualize this dilemma within the children. Do I do what is best for me or what the group wants me to do? Do I vote the way I believe or the way my friends, family and/or church believes?
Comments: