American political culture is shaped by several values and beliefs ingrained in citizens and authorities. These values include individualism, self-government, liberty, and equality (McKay 4). Individualism is the concept that people are ultimately accountable for their own success or failure. Individuals are the fundamental source of governing authority and must have a say in how they are ruled, according to the notion of self-government. Liberty refers to the notion that individuals are free to behave and think as they like as long as they do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others. Equality is the idea that everyone is morally equal and deserves equal legal treatment.
There is a difference in cultural attitudes toward equality, comparing the United States to other democracies. The US has a unique attitude toward equality in the context of race. In France and Sweden, current emphasis on equality is focused on achieving gender equality. Values shape laws and influence political and economic behavior and choices. Individualism laws safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals, such as the right to free speech, religion, and assembly. Equality values form anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action policies and efforts to ensure fair representation, such as redistricting and voting rights policies.
Among other values, equality resonates with me the most because I am sure that this is the basis of a developed society, the security, and prosperity of all citizens. Individualism resonates the least, as it may partly contradict the concept of equality, although the pursuit of one’s own interests with minimal state intervention may also have its positive consequences.
Different values and beliefs affect political cultures in other democracies. An important feature of French political culture is equality in the context of religion (or atheism) which refers to such a concept as secularism (FRANCE 24 English). Government agencies in France, as in the US, are separated from religion, but in the US, there is some connection, for example, an oath on the Bible in court. In France, such manifestations are prohibited by law (FRANCE 24 English). The peculiarity of Sweden in the context of equality is most remarkable. At the level of laws, this is reflected, for example, in the fact that the country does not offer its politicians any luxury or privileges, unlike the United States (gabiv). There is a considerable focus in Japan on group harmony and consensus building, which results in policies that prioritize collective decision-making and social cohesiveness.
Work Cited
“Laïcité: Is French state secularism too extreme?” YouTube, uploaded by FRANCE 24 English, Web.
“Sweden – Land of Politicians Without Privileges” YouTube, uploaded by gabiv, Web.
McKay, David. American Politics and Society. John Wiley & Sons, 2021.