S/P/78. What is political culture?

This paper discusses the nature of ‘political culture’ – what it is and whether it serves any purpose as a political tool. It argues that while political culture and a spirit of ‘civic engagement’ are tangible and observable things, the conclusions that can be drawn from them are generally without sufficient substantive strength. In this essay, two important studies of political culture are described and commented on; the works of Putnam and Inglehart. By analysing the success of these studies, a definition of political culture can be ascertained, as can the practical relevance of such a concept.