Robert M. Worthington

The Idol Effect: How Culture Reinforces Voting Habits in Democracies Robert M. Worthington

An evolutionary byproduct of moving from the state of nature to civilization is the adaptation of culture as a means for survival. Animals are born with instincts that help them survive, yet all cousin species in hominoid development became extinct from an inability to form complex societies through the engrained social norms found in Homo sapien culture. Culture creates the norms of democracy and norms require habitual repetition in order to be passed on. Where this relates to democracy is that it may take time before an individual is invested in the voting system, however, voting habits can be expedited through culture¿s learned behaviors; by parental guidance or interaction with culture. Reality TV shows are explored for their potential influence over the electorate as a means for at least partially explaining higher turnout among voters, and changes in education and cultural trends explain why young Americans were prepared to greet an African-American presidential candidate with high turnout and support.