Suchergebnisse

Described is research investigating level of political knowledge among 600 pupils aged 18 (last-year secondary school) in Belgium & the variables that may cause differential levels. Results show that the average level of political knowledge is low. The most significant independent variables are: sex (boys score better than girls), political participation of the parents, mass media, & (in a negative way) school. Mass media are most frequently mentioned as the most important sources of political information, & Rs with a high level of news media exposure score best. Political education at school is shown to have low impact; on the contrary, Rs who mentioned school as their most important source of political information tended to score worst. 29 Tables, 1 Figure. HA

The politicization of Belgian political parties since WWII has resulted in what is termed a "particracy," ie, a parliamentary democracy wherein party structures dominate the political decision-making process. The gradual institutionalization of party patronage within the parliament, ministerial cabinets, public administration, the judiciary, & mass media is discussed, examining mechanisms of recruitment & policy articulation. The process of within-party candidate selection is also considered, focusing on the shift away from rank-&-file participation toward central decisions by local & national party leaders, with a concomitant restructuring of "party discipline." Historical bases of the current patronage system are briefly considered, noting the prewar politicization of magisterial posts & the shift from reliance on party newspapers to party control of broadcast media administrators. Modified HA.