A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOC - PATTERNS OF POLITICAL-SOCIALIZATION IN VENEZUELA

This paper explores the correspondences between patterns of primary po litical socialization and the subsequent political interest and partic ipation, as well as party affiliations, of Venezuelan adults. It also evaluates the effects that certain secondary socialization processes m ay have had upon political involvement. 324 individuals were interview ed. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to their responses. T he resulting associations were examined in the light of political and social processes, as well as factors such as age, socioeconomic level, education and religio us beliefs. Results confirm previous findings c oncerning the strong influence of family background on political prefe rences. However, the finding that young, well-educated, middle class V enezuelans have not political interest, can best be explained by polit ical and social experiences specific to Venezuela.